1. FC Heidenheim’s Transfer Prospects and Current Challenges in the Bundesliga

The upcoming 18 Bundesliga transfer primers featured on Get German Football News will focus on 1. FC Heidenheim. The “Ostalbenschwaben,” often the subject of light-hearted analysis, currently find themselves in a precarious position, sitting second-to-last in the Bundesliga table. However, there is a sense that this small club, referred to as a “Zwerg-Klub,” may yet defy the odds.

As it stands, Frank Schmidt’s team is just three points away from safety. Key player Stefan Schimmer has recently led the team to vital victories against formidable opponents like Freiburg and Union Berlin. Following the New Year, Heidenheim will face struggling Köln and last-placed Mainz, presenting an opportunity for the club to escape the relegation zone before the halfway point of the season.

The author’s optimistic prediction for the season was not entirely accurate.

**Predicted Table Position** – 15th place
**Actual Table Position** – 17th place, 11 points
**Record** – 4 Wins, 2 Draws, 9 Losses
**Goal Difference** – -11

Heidenheim’s goal-scoring tally is on par with fellow relegation contenders Mainz and St. Pauli. When confident, Schmidt’s squad tends to create numerous scoring opportunities, as evidenced even in their recent loss to Bayern Munich. The support from fans remains strong, with all home matches selling out and over 10,000 club memberships purchased since their promotion nearly three years ago. Many local supporters continue to believe in the project’s potential.

Despite the passionate backing, club CEO Holger Sanwald has significant work ahead this month, as the squad, limited to 27 players, is in dire need of reinforcements.

A brief assessment of the performances of Diant Ramaj and Arijon Ibrahimovic is warranted. Although the Bayern loanee hasn’t performed exceptionally, he has contributed crucial assists leading to four points from critical matches against Frankfurt and Union. Ramaj’s statistics, showing zero clean sheets and a league-high 34 goals conceded, may paint a bleak picture, yet observers assert he has handled a challenging situation with resilience.

Given the struggles faced by Heidenheim, 1. FC Kaiserslautern fans would welcome back Julian Niehues, and the lack of recognition for center back Thomas Keller is understandable. With a roster of this size, the concept of “dead weight” is notably absent.

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

If Schimmer does not receive a well-deserved contract extension, the club may face a deserved relegation. Although financial constraints are a reality for this small town on the BaWü border, Sanwald and the management team must find a solution. Necessary investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to meet Bundesliga standards, have limited financial flexibility this offseason, contributing to a quiet transfer period. Schimmer remains a key asset for the club.

The author has frequently highlighted fullback Omar Haktab Traoré as one of the Bundesliga’s most underrated players, so it comes as no surprise that he is being linked to clubs like Borussia Mönchengladbach and Union Berlin. Heidenheim is not expected to extend his contract, and it is likely he will attract interest from other Bundesliga teams recognizing his potential early in the transfer window.

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

As the transfer window opens, there is considerable buzz surrounding the club. Heidenheim is leading the pursuit of discontented striker Philipp Tietz from Augsburg. Additionally, they may target promising forward Ryan Naderi from Hansa Rostock, with whom they are currently embroiled in a trademark dispute. Heidenheim is also among the Bundesliga clubs interested in SV Werder Bremen forward Keke Topp.

Schmidt’s squad is desperately in need of defensive reinforcements, and if Traoré is sold, finding a defender with experience in wide positions will be essential. Unfortunately, securing Stuttgart’s Leonidas Stergiou looks increasingly unlikely. Instead, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Elias Baum, who has garnered interest from various clubs this autumn, is expected to be a target for the Ostalb club.

**Further Needs** – Left Back, Right Back, Central Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder, Center Forward
**Rumored Links** – Leonidas Stergiou (RB), Philipp Tietz (CF), Keke Topp (CF), Ryan Naderi (CF)