Bundesliga Update: 1. FC Heidenheim’s Challenges and Prospects

The upcoming Bundesliga transfer primers on Get German Football News will focus on 1. FC Heidenheim. The “Ostalbenschwaben,” often subject to humorous commentary, find themselves in a precarious position, sitting second-to-last in the Bundesliga table. Despite this predicament, there is optimism that this “Zwerg-Klub” might once again defy the odds.

Currently, Frank Schmidt’s team is just three points from safety. New club talisman, Stefan Schimmer, has recently led the squad to vital victories against formidable opponents such as Freiburg and Union Berlin. As they prepare for the calendar year’s end, matches against struggling Köln and last-placed Mainz loom, offering Heidenheim a chance to escape the relegation zone before the halfway point of the season.

The author’s optimistic prediction is not far from reality.

**Predicted Table Position**: 15th place
**Actual Table Position**: 17th place, 11 points
(4 Wins, 2 Draws, 9 Losses)
(GD: -11)

Heidenheim has managed to score the same number of league goals as their relegation competitors, Mainz and St. Pauli. Whenever Schmidt’s side builds confidence, they create numerous scoring opportunities, as demonstrated even during their last league defeat to Bayern.

Support from fans remains robust, as all home matches continue to sell out. Since their promotion nearly three years ago, over 10,000 of the town’s 50,000 residents have acquired club memberships, reflecting a strong belief in the team’s future.

There is little to report regarding incoming transfers, as noted back in August. Keeper Diant Ramaj (from Borussia Dortmund) and forward Arijon Ibrahimovic (from FC Bayern München) joined on loan, while a serious injury to third acquisition Leart Paçarada (fullback from Köln) undermined that transition.

Despite the fervent local support, CEO Holger Sanwald has a substantial task ahead this month, as the squad’s 27-man roster requires reinforcements.

Before progressing, it’s worth noting the performances of Ramaj and Ibrahimovic. While the Bayern loanee has delivered critical assists leading to four points, his overall contribution has been less effective, reflected in his stats: zero clean sheets and a league-high 34 goals conceded. Observers would agree that he has performed admirably under challenging circumstances.

Fans of 1. FC Kaiserslautern would gladly welcome back Julian Niehues, while center back Thomas Keller’s sparse usage may render him forgettable. On a 27-man roster, the concept of “dead weight” is difficult to justify.

**Dead-Weight Ledger**: Julian Niehues (DM), Thomas Keller (CB)

If Schimmer is not awarded a well-deserved contract extension, the club will likely deserve relegation. Financial constraints are evident in the BaWü border town, yet Sanwald and his team must find a solution. Necessary infrastructure investments, including the absence of a Bundesliga-compliant stadium, constrained the summer transfer activities, making Schimmer’s retention imperative.

The author has frequently described fullback Omar Haktab Traoré as one of the Bundesliga’s most underrated players. It comes as no surprise that he is being linked with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Union Berlin. Heidenheim is unlikely to extend his contract, and Traoré should attract significant interest from other Bundesliga clubs recognizing his potential early in the transfer window.

**Expiring Contracts**: Omar Haktab Traoré (RB), Stefan Schimmer (CF)

There is considerable discussion surrounding Heidenheim as the transfer window approaches. The club is reportedly leading the pursuit of discontented striker Philipp Tietz from Augsburg.

Furthermore, they may acquire promising attacker Ryan Naderi from Hansa Rostock, a club with which they are currently engaged in a trademark dispute. Heidenheim is also among those interested in stalled SV Werder Bremen forward Keke Topp.

Schmidt’s team is in urgent need of defensive reinforcements, and should Traoré depart, they will require a defender with extensive wide experience. Unfortunately, securing Stuttgart’s Leonidas Stergiou appears increasingly unlikely, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Elias Baum, who has garnered attention from many clubs this autumn, being a more probable target.

**Further Needs**: LB, RB, CM, ATTM, CF
**Rumored Links**: Leonidas Stergiou (RB), Philipp Tietz (CF), Keke Topp (CF), Ryan Naderi (CF)