At the age of 18, Leandro Morgalla transferred from the third division to Salzburg for €1.8 million. Now he is set to succeed Tim Oermann on the right side of the back four.

Leandro Morgalla has already achieved a lot at the age of 20. At just 18, after nine years with TSV 1860 Munich, he moved to RB Salzburg for a transfer fee of €1.8 million. Things didn’t go well for him in his first year in Salzburg, where he only made three appearances. He made 16 appearances in his second season. As a result, the player and Salzburg decided that it was time for the right-back, who is under contract with RBS until 2028, to go out on loan.

VfL Bochum won the bid, and Morgalla now wants to get his career off the ground there. The 20-year-old received encouragement from Tim Oermann, whom he knows from the U21 national team, as he emphasizes: “I know Tim from the national team, we play the same position. He did very well at VfL and was rewarded with the next big step. After a few conversations with him, it was immediately clear that I wanted to move to VfL.“

The native Bavarian is now trying his luck in the Ruhr region, taking stock of his first impressions after the cultural change. ”It’s completely different in the Ruhr region than in Bavaria. My girlfriend is with me, and we’ve already seen a few places in Bochum. It has its own style when so many cities are close together. I feel very comfortable so far.“

The new team is also doing its part, as the player on loan from Salzburg explains: ”I think it’s important that we work well as a team because there has already been a shake-up. We’re making good use of the time right now, and things are getting better and better. Then we need to get off to a good start to the season.”

And give something back to the fans who have supported the team so magnificently despite the relegation. Morgalla knows what it means to play for a traditional club. “In terms of fans and tradition, VfL is a huge club. I know that from Munich, which is also a big traditional club. I love it when you have the fans behind you. I want to give that back on the pitch.”

If direct promotion doesn’t work out, VfL could face 1860 Munich in the coming season. The Munich club has big plans, which the right-back is also aware of.

His opinion on his former club: “I owe a lot to the club and I continue to follow them. There is a great sense of optimism. I am excited to see what they achieve, hopefully promotion.” cb / gp