SC Freiburg: A Mid-Season Review and Transfer Outlook

In our latest installment of the Bundesliga transfer primers published by Get German Football News, we focus on SC Freiburg. The Breisgauer, who have received considerable attention in our analyses this autumn, are experiencing notable achievements with players like Noah Atubolu, Christian Günter, and Vincenzo Grifo setting new club and league records. It has been a pleasure to cover such talents on a weekly basis.

However, while Freiburg has celebrated these milestones, it’s important to recognize that the club is currently underperforming relative to its sporting expectations. I had anticipated them finishing slightly higher in the standings than their current position.

Julian Schuster’s squad does not deserve to be ranked lower than our previous focus, 1. FC Union Berlin. Part of the reason for Freiburg’s current standing is the disappointing start to the Bundesliga season, where they suffered defeats in their opening fixtures against FC Augsburg and 1. FC Köln prior to the winter break. Their performances in the Europa League and DFB Pokal have exceeded expectations, yet they have struggled against teams like Gladbach, Hoffenheim, Heidenheim, and Union on Bundesliga matchdays.

Despite these challenges, the team’s overall condition remains fairly stable.

**Predicted Table Position**: 8th Place
**Actual Table Position**: 9th Place, 20 points (5 Wins, 5 Draws, 5 Losses, Goal Difference: -1)

This performance is commendable for a team that lost its leading goal-scorer, Ritsu Doan, during the offseason. Although Freiburg’s failure to secure a Champions League spot on the final day of last season was disappointing, one can only speculate how they would fare under the pressure of competing at that level. It is plausible that they might be in a worse situation than Eintracht Frankfurt, the team that edged them out for the UCL place.

**Estimated Summer Transfer Balance**: -€1.8m

The numerous player movements over the offseason suggest Freiburg is in a transitional year. Optimistically, one could expect Schuster’s team to secure additional points before the first half of the season concludes, with improved readiness to face opponents such as Augsburg and Köln in the second half. Many summer signings have yet to find their footing, but there are signs that this could soon change.

Young talent Derry Scherhant has made an impression, despite being unable to secure a regular starting position due to Grifo’s presence on the left. Scherhant has scored five goals across all competitions this year. Additionally, Yuito Suzuki, who initially struggled, is showing signs of improvement after capitalizing on extra training opportunities following the November international break.

However, injuries hampered high-profile summer signings Igor Matanovic and Philipp Treu. Treu appears to have regained his form after recovering from a serious shoulder injury and has solidified his position as the starting right-back with impressive performances as the winter break approaches. In contrast, Matanovic has struggled to produce impactful play since his early-season brace against Stuttgart.

For some inexplicable reason, Schuster has been unable to get either Matanovic or the inconsistent Junior Adamu into form. Furthermore, Cyriaque Irié’s battle with malaria has left him sidelined. Before discussing areas needing reinforcement, it is necessary to address the lackluster performances on the right flank, a position left vulnerable by Doan’s departure. Both former Heidenheim players Eren Dinkçi and Jan-Niklas Beste have disappointed, raising questions about potential alternatives.

Like many smaller Bundesliga clubs, Freiburg often keeps the specifics of their contracts under wraps. Currently, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is the only player confirmed to have an expiring contract. The club is also dealing with four players assessed as “dead weight,” each with their own disappointing narratives. The decline of Maximilian Philipp since his arrival has been particularly painful. His career trajectory mirrors that of other attackers who faltered after joining Werder Bremen.

Max Rosenfelder’s development has stagnated, and simply loaning him out may not suffice to help him regain his form. The SC Freiburg administrative duo of Jochen Saier and Klemens Hartenbach should consider a more substantial move to address this issue, potentially via a loan arrangement similar to those utilized for Kevin Schade and Merlin Röhl.

The departure of Nicolas Höfler after 14 seasons may not evoke strong emotions, given his history of costly mistakes; however, his resilience and contributions to the squad will be missed as he transitions into retirement. The remaining player on the dead-weight ledger is promising young center-back Bruno Ogbus, who would benefit from a loan to gain playing experience.

**Dead-Weight Ledger**: Bruno Ogbus (CB), Max Rosenfelder (CB), Nicolas Höfler (DM), Maximilian Philipp (AM)
**Expiring Contracts**: Daniel Kofi-Kyereh (ATTM)

Online speculation about potential incoming transfers is virtually non-existent. Over the six years of writing these primers, I have encountered reliable links concerning Freiburg only a few times. The club operates quietly and efficiently under the leadership of Saier and Hartenbach, and there is little to report in terms of incoming talent. Instead, we commend them for their ongoing successful management. Freiburg actively engaged in the summer transfer window, securing most of their key signings shortly after the previous season concluded.

This duo has been instrumental in Freiburg’s operations for over a decade, demonstrating exceptional administrative capabilities. I frequently assert that Freiburg is among the most competently managed clubs in the Bundesrepublik, and this assessment comes from a member of the club. The organization runs smoothly, from member ticket sales to the product showcased on the pitch. We look forward to another successful year ahead.

**Further Needs**: Left Back, Right Winger, Attacking Midfielder
**Rumored Links**: None Reliable

GGFN | Peter Weis