Borussia Mönchengladbach Targets Squad Reduction Ahead of Transfer Window Closure

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s sporting director, Rouven Schröder, has outlined the club’s intention to streamline its 31-man squad ahead of the closing of the January transfer window. The team entered this window with a substantial number of players deemed as ‘dead weight’ or on expiring contracts, yet has managed to remove only one player from its payroll thus far.

Danish midfielder Oscar Fraulo, previously with Derby County, represents the sole departure from BMG this January. In contrast, Czech striker Tomas Cvancara made a brief appearance following the termination of his loan with Antalyaspor but does not count as a departure, as he was quickly re-loaned to Celtic shortly thereafter.

On the same day Fraulo left for his new club, Borussia Mönchengladbach secured the signing of Japanese central defender Kota Takai on loan from Tottenham. At just 21 years of age, Takai has made appearances in all matches eligible to him thus far, albeit as a substitute. He may be in line for his first Bundesliga start against Stuttgart this weekend due to an injury to the incumbent starter, Kevin Diks.

Additionally, the club has recently acquired Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking prospect, Alejo Sarco, on loan. Sarco, a young Argentine player, has only registered 75 Bundesliga minutes this season due to his involvement in the U20 World Cup. BMG head coach Eugen Polanski is likely to provide him with ample playing opportunities.

As the transfer window progresses, it seems unlikely that Schröder and his team are looking to add more players. Numerous individuals on the BMG roster have been linked with potential moves to other clubs. Interest from Mainz in Marvin Friedrich appears to have waned following their acquisition of Stefan Posch, yet other clubs may still be interested in the veteran defender. The same holds true for experienced players like versatile midfielder Kevin Stöger and former captain Jonas Omlin.

Younger players such as Wael Mohya, Nikas Swider, and potentially fit Fabio Chiarodia are also candidates for loan moves. While rumors surrounding left-back Luca Netz’s departure have subsided, it is still probable that Gladbach would like to capitalize on the 22-year-old’s expiring contract before the window closes. Notably, the club recently extended the contract of Lukas Ullrich, who is Netz’s primary competition.

Furthermore, speculation regarding Rocco Reitz’s future continues to circulate.

“The fact is that we want to reduce the size of the squad,” Schröder stated to Kicker. “There is a desire for change among the players. Something will happen for those seeking more playing time. With only 11 days remaining in the transfer window, the clock is ticking. We are in discussions with players who have fallen out of favor and are strategizing for the next six months.”