TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Mid-Season Analysis and Transfer Insights

The upcoming installment of our Bundesliga transfer primers on Get German Football News will focus on TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. At the start of the season, I approached the prospect of Hoffenheim finishing in the top four with a degree of skepticism.

However, I must commend head coach Christian Ilzer and sporting director Andreas Schicker for their remarkable navigation through the challenges facing the club. Their leadership has truly earned them significant recognition.

Many Bundesliga enthusiasts can appreciate Hoffenheim’s success, largely due to the dedication and passion of its fan base, who undoubtedly deserve to enjoy quality football. Nonetheless, it remains essential for the voices of TSG supporters to be acknowledged.

It is important to acknowledge that Schicker has achieved his summer goals of refining and enhancing the squad, despite the complexities of front office dynamics. This is an undeniable fact.

Currently, Hoffenheim is on track to meet expectations.

**Predicted Table Position:** 4th place
**Actual Table Position:** 5th place, 27 points
(8 Wins, 3 Draws, 4 Losses)
(+9 Goal Difference)

The team’s only defeats have come against Bayern München, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, and a narrow loss to Köln. Aside from these matches, Ilzer’s squad has effectively executed their game plan. The coach’s tactical approach has evolved impressively; the initial 4-2-2-2 formation has transitioned into a formidable 4-1-4-1 and later a robust 4-1-2-3. Ilzer’s capabilities have been significantly underestimated.

**Estimated Summer Transfer Balance:** +€4.6 million

While this figure may seem trivial, it’s worth noting that club benefactor Dietmar Hopp can always provide financial support, similar to his previous €80 million investment in the fall of 2024. Budget constraints are not a concern for Hoffenheim or Hopp. All of Schicker’s summer acquisitions, except for the injured Koki Machida, have proven to be successful. Players such as Leon Avdullahu, Wouter Burger, Bernardo, Vladimir Coufal, Albian Hajdari, and Tim Lemperle exemplify effective transfers.

Additionally, the return of Fisnik Asllani and Muhammed Damar from Elversberg on loan has significantly bolstered the team’s depth. Moreover, players like Robin Hranac and Alexander Prass have remarkably turned their careers around after underwhelming performances last season, while Bazoumana Touré has elevated his game from promising to exceptional.

Even players previously sidelined by injuries, such as Adam Hlozek and Ozan Kakak, are now making successful comebacks. The depth of the roster is undeniably impressive.

In terms of optimizing the 33-man roster, Schicker’s upcoming decisions regarding player transfers should be straightforward. The players likely to be moved include Dennis Geiger, Mërgim Berisha, and Umut Tohumcu, while Kelven Frees, Hennes Behrens, and Precious Benjamin may be set aside. These decisions are quite apparent, even to those without a background in football management.

A more complex challenge lies in managing the numerous talents currently thriving in the 3. Liga reserve squad—players like Deniz Zeitler, David Mokwa, Luca Duric, Paul Hennrich, and Amaimouni-Echghouyab Ayoube—who could attract lucrative offers from other Bundesliga clubs. Similarly, underused striker Max Moerstedt poses a dilemma.

Nonetheless, the wealth of talent within the organization provides some leeway for errors.

**Dead-Weight Ledger:**
Kelven Frees (CB), Luka Duric (CM), Hennes Behrens (LB), Dennis Geiger (CM), Umut Tohumcu (CM), Max Moerstedt (CF), Mërgim Berisha (CF), Deniz Zeitler (CF), David Mokwa (CF), Precious Benjamin (CF)

On the matter of expiring contracts, Andrej Kramaric is poised for a graceful exit. The club’s considerable talent allows for flexibility in decisions regarding his one-year extension, while Schicker would be prudent to negotiate a new deal with Coufal. Other players of interest, such as Ozan Kabak, Ihlas Bebou, and Kevin Akpoguma, are generating buzz and may provide financial returns.

**Expiring Contracts:**
Luca Philipp (GK), Ozan Kabak (CB), Kevin Akpoguma (CB), Vladimir Coufal (RB), Grischa Prömel (CM), Andrej Kramaric (ATTM), Ihlas Bebou (CF)

Given the current positive momentum, it raises the question of whether significant new signings will occur this January. Schicker has ample responsibilities regarding player departures, alongside administrative tasks amid board changes.

Interest in young strikers like Alessandro Vogt (20) and Aleksa Damjanovic (17) seems credible, suggesting that Hoffenheim may continue to enhance its already rich talent pool.

**Further Needs:** LB, CM, ATTM, SS, RW
**Rumored Links:** Panagiotis Tsivikos (LB), Davi Sergio Martinez (CM), Johannes Moser (ATTM), Alessandro Vogt (CF), Aleksa Damjanovic (CF), Gessime Yassine (RW)

— GGFN | Peter Weis