Danny Latza, former Schalke captain, has found a new club. The 34-year-old is moving to Regionalliga West.

Fortuna Düsseldorf has signed Danny Latza for its U23 team. The experienced midfielder, who was under contract with FC Schalke 04 until summer 2024, will now join the Red and Whites’ U23 squad and is expected to help Fortuna’s reserve team in its relegation battle with his experience. Düsseldorf II is currently in 13th place in the Regionalliga West with 16 points after 15 games.

The 34-year-old has played for FC Schalke 04, 1. FSV Mainz 05, VfL Bochum, and SV Darmstadt 98 during his career. He has made 176 appearances in the Bundesliga and 90 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga.

Latza spent the last three years at Schalke, even captaining the team in his first two seasons. In 2022, Latza celebrated winning the second division title, but the team was relegated from the Bundesliga a year later. Due in part to injuries, the Gelsenkirchen native played “only” 50 competitive games for his hometown club in those three years.

Now the central midfielder will continue his career in the Regionalliga West. Much to the delight of Stefan Vollmerhausen, sporting director of the youth academy: “We are very happy that we were able to convince Danny to join Fortuna. With him, we are gaining a strong leader who will immediately play an important role both on and off the pitch. Danny has already experienced a lot in his career and brings a wealth of experience with him. Our young team will benefit enormously from his qualities.”

When the request came from Fortuna, I didn’t have to think twice, because the talks with those responsible convinced me right from the start. I am still ambitious as a player, want to help the team with my experience, and give my all on the pitch.

Danny Latza.

Latza is also looking forward to his new challenge: “When Fortuna approached me, I didn’t have to think twice because the talks with the club officials convinced me right from the start. I am still ambitious as an athlete, want to help the team with my experience, and give my all on the pitch. I want to show that from the start, which is why I am all the more excited about the new task and getting to know the team.”