Things are happening at SSVg Velbert—both in terms of new signings and departures. Plus, two key players are staying on.

A Thursday like this at SSVg Velbert could certainly be less eventful. First, there were five departures: Marcel Lenz, Valon Zhushi, Reo Yoshida, Haruto Idoguchi, and Harumi Goto have officially left the club.

“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you: for your tireless effort on the field, your team spirit, and the moments you have given our club. You have left your mark on SSVg Velbert 02—both on and off the field—and we wish you nothing but the best for the future: much success, good health, and joy in the game,” the club writes.

Dymtro Kislin will also be assigned to the U23 team for the time being. There, the Velbert club plans to help him get back on his feet after his injuries.

And then there are two new arrivals. Max Wiese is joining from league leaders and rivals Fortuna Köln. The right-back has made just one Regional League appearance this season and played six times for the second team in the Mittelrheinliga.

Fortuna Köln had already announced that morning that Wiese would be moving on. “To get more playing time, Max has terminated his contract by mutual agreement and will be looking for a new challenge. We wish Max all the best,” said coach Matthias Mink. Now it’s clear where he’s headed.

Incidentally, Artur Golubytskij is heading in the same direction as Wiese. The attacking midfielder is joining on loan from Northeast Regional League side Rot-Weiß Erfurt and will remain with the club until the end of the season. Fans in the Lower Rhine region will likely recognize him from his past two seasons with SpVg Schonnebeck (64 Oberliga matches, 17 goals). The 21-year-old received his training at VfL Bochum.

In addition, two key players are staying: Robin Hilger and Max Machtemes have each extended their contracts by two years until 2028. All in all, it was an eventful but also very successful transfer day at SSVg Velbert.