VfL Bochum will and must change. The upheaval will be somewhat more moderate than in the event of relegation. Nevertheless, there will be many new faces.
One thing has not changed since VfL Bochum were relegated. There will be a shake-up in the squad, but it will probably be a little smaller than in the event of relegation.
In addition to numerous new personnel, a new coach is also being sought, as Heiko Butscher will vacate his post again and work with the next generation. The coming days will show whether a new sporting director is also needed.
Patrick Fabian seems to have been counted out, but it is not certain whether staying in the league will change his position. According to RS information, it remains the case that VfL and Fabian will part ways.
It is also still unclear whether sporting director Marc Lettau will remain in office. Many question marks. One thing is clear: first of all, a decision must be made at management level. Because they have to choose the coach they want to work with
All this shows that it will be a busy summer in Bochum, as there will certainly be twelve departures. With Danilo Soares, Philipp Förster, Moritz Römling (all destination unknown), Gonçalo Paciência (back to Celta Vigo after loan), Andreas Luthe, Michael Esser (both career end), Patrick Osterhage (SC Freiburg), seven arrivals are certain, Keven Schlotterbeck has to return to Freiburg for the time being, whether a permanent commitment is possible after the loan is still in the stars.
Kevin Stöger is unlikely to be retained, while Manuel Riemann’s future is hardly possible in Bochum after the events of recent weeks. Takuma Asano is also said to be flirting with a move.
In addition, four loan players are returning who would probably have had prospects in the Bundesliga 2. But in the Bundesliga, Gerrit Holtmann and Jordi Osei-Tutu in particular are unlikely to have a chance of playing in Bochum.
The VfL Bochum squad at a glance
Contract until 2025: Manuel Riemann, Anthony Losilla, Cristian Gamboa, Felix Passlack, Bernardo, Mohammed Tolba
Contract until 2026: Philipp Hofmann, Maximilian Wittek, Matus Bero, Lukas Daschner, Noah Loosli, Erhan Masovic, Moritz Broschinski, Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets (contract extended due to relegation)
Contract until 2027: Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, Niclas Thiede, Agon Elezi
Additions: Gerrit Holtmann (after loan to Darmstadt 98), Jordi Osei-Tutu (after loan to PAS Giannina), Paul Grave (after loan to WSV), Mats Pannewig (after loan to Wiedenbrück)
Departures: Danilo Soares, Philipp Förster, Moritz Römling (all destination unknown), Gonçalo Paciência (after loan back to Celta Vigo), Andreas Luthe, Michael Esser (both end of career), Patrick Osterhage (SC Freiburg)
Still open after contract expires:Kevin Stöger, Takuma Asano, Christopher Antwi-Adjei, Keven Schlotterbeck (on loan from SC Freiburg, VfL would like to keep him)