Hoffenheim boss confirms capture of Köln’s Tim Lemperle, Max Finkgräfe to follow? | OneFootball

The long discussed move of Köln striker Tim Lemperle to Hoffenheim will be officially confirmed soon. TSG sporting director Andreas Schicker announced the news at a club general meeting on Monday. The announcement that the Bundesliga outfit would complete its first major summer signing was greeted with rapturous applause.

“It was a shitty season,” Schicker noted on Monday “The important thing for me is that TSG stands for something again and that we have an identity. That we have players who make people want to go back to the stadium and that we all pull together again.”

Lemperle may not be the only player moving from Köln to Kraichgau this summer. Kicker links disaffected Köln left back Max Finkgräfe with a switch to the Sinsheimers. Köln have previously been reluctant to let FInkgräfe go when approached by other Bundesliga clubs. The 21-year-old still fancies a new club after accruing little playing time this season.

Kicker claims that the cathedral city side seek a transfer fee of between €3m and €5m for their homegrown talent. Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested in the €4m-valued player, who brings with him the experience of 21 Bundesliga appearances.

In other Hoffenheim-related personnel news, Sport Bild reports that Schicker and the administrative team are working hard to extend back-up keeper Luca Philipp’s expiring contract. The 24-year-old proved himself a worthy presence between the sticks in six league starts whilst filling in for starter Oliver Busman this season.

In a general article on Hoffenheim’s personnel plans this summer, the German tabloid also notes that the final word in the matter of Stade Rennes loanee Leo Østigård has not been spoken. Previous reports suggested that the German club had no interest in keeping the Norwegian central defender.

The latest nevertheless holds that Hoffenheim do wish to retain the former Brighton & Hove Albion man’s services, yet aren’t keen on meeting Rennes’ €10m asking price. Negotiations are currently underway to arrange a deal more in line with Østigård’s €7m estimated market value.

GGFN | Peter Weis