RWE now has 28 players under contract following the extension of the left-back’s contract, although two players are not in the plans and are free to leave.
Until now, Ekin Celebi has been the unlucky one at third-division club Rot-Weiss Essen. In his two years at Hafenstraße, he has only played three games in the third division.
The rest of the time, he had to cope with many absences. Nevertheless, he has earned himself a strong standing in the team. RWE professional football director Marcus Steegmann emphasized to the WAZ during the preseason: “His personality is fantastic, he is fully integrated into the team.”
And now that he is finally fit, RWE has decided to extend the left-back’s expiring contract after all. He impressed in the preseason with good, consistent performances in training and in test matches, as well as with his positive attitude on and off the pitch, according to the club. He was apparently able to confirm this impression at the training camp in Wesendorf.
Steegmann said: “We are very pleased to have extended Ekin’s contract. For us, there was never any question about whether he could help us on the pitch. The main concern was whether Ekin could return to professional football on a regular basis after two injury-plagued years. He has impressively confirmed that he can do so, not only in training camp, but also in recent weeks. At the same time, we will give him the time he needs to gradually increase the workload. He is an important factor for us, not only in terms of his sporting ability, but also in terms of his character, and he is an integral part of our team, which he will continue to strengthen both on and off the pitch.”
The player himself is grateful for the trust that has been placed in him and is keen to repay it. “I am delighted to have extended my contract with Rot-Weiss Essen. The last two years have not been easy for me. Nevertheless, the club has always supported me and given me time. I am very grateful to everyone here for that. I am now looking forward all the more to the new season and the challenges that lie ahead for us as a team. The team and the environment, together with the sporting prospects, are very convincing, and I hope that I can contribute to a successful season with my abilities.”
With the signing of Celebi, RWE coach Uwe Koschinat now has 28 players at his disposal, although Jimmy Kaparos and Dion Berisha will no longer be involved.
Arrivals and departures at RWE
Arrivals: Marek Janssen (SV Meppen), Nicolai Schulte-Kellinghaus (from the club’s own U19 team), Dion Berisha (on loan to SVF Freiberg), Malte Brüning (Eintracht Trier), Luca Bazzoli (Preußen Münster), Michael Kostka (Miedz Legnica), Marvin Obuz (1. FC Köln), Jannik Hofmann (on loan from 1. FC Nürnberg), Franci Bouebari (on loan from SC Freiburg II), Jaka Cuber Potocnik (on loan from 1. FC Köln)
Departures: Joseph Boyamba (BVB II), Moussa Doumbouya (SF Lotte), Thomas Eisfeld, Eric Voufack, Ole Springer (all destination unknown), Mustafa Kourouma (Rot-Weiß Oberhausen), Julian Eitschberger (after loan from Hertha BSC), Manuel Wintzheimer (after loan from 1. FC Nürnberg), Matti Wagner (after loan from Greuther Fürth)