Official | Rising German fullback Philipp Treu returns to Freiburg | OneFootball

One of the Bundesliga’s most interesting summer transfers has been officially confirmed. German fullback Philipp Treu returns to his old academy side of SC Freiburg from FC St. Pauli. Treu’s now former club have pocketed a record €5m on the deal. St. Pauli can earn still more on the inlay if Treu meets certain performance based bonuses.

Treu moved to St. Pauli in the summer of 2023 of a €500,000 transfer from Freiburg. At that time, he had only featured for the SCF reserves in the 3. Liga. In two seasons spent representing Hamburg’s Kiezkicker, Treu garnered additional experience in the 2. Bundesliga and German top flight.

Most impressively, he featured in head coach Alexander Blessin’s starting XI in 33 of the 34 2024/25 Bundesliga league fixtures. Treu picked up three assists for his first division club along the way.

“Philipp has developed tremendously and we are absolutely delighted that he is returning to SCF,” sporting director Klemens Hartenbach noted in a club statement. “Philipp defends consistently and can also create goal-scoring opportunities. He brings a good mix of stamina and sprinting ability to the pitch. There’s no need to say anything about his character and attitude. It’s definitely an advantage that he knows many of the people and processes at our club.”

“I think I’ve been able to develop very well at St. Pauli and delivered at solid level in my first Bundesliga season,” the player himself added. “Now I want to take the next step with Freiburg. I know a lot of people here and know how football is played here.Now I’m really looking forward to the Bundesliga season and the Europa League games.“

GGFN | Peter Weis