If VfL Bochum is relegated, there is a threat of XXL restructuring. Up to 15 players could leave the club.
At VfL Bochum, they are still trying to spread some kind of optimism these days after the disastrous 0:3 in the relegation first leg against Fortuna Düsseldorf. Only a miracle can save VfL from the seventh relegation in the club’s history in the second leg on Monday (20:30). Much more likely, however, is relegation to the 2nd Bundesliga.
And after that there would be a major upheaval.
An overview.
Goal: Three goalkeepers alone are likely to leave VfL. Andreas Luthe and Michael Esser will end their careers. After the big bang with Manuel Riemann, he will also have no future in Bochum – both sides are likely to try to terminate the contract. As things stand, that leaves only Niclas Thiede.
Defense: In defense, Ivan Ordets (out of contract in the event of relegation), Bernardo and Erhan Masovic (in both cases there would at least be a transfer fee), Danilo Soares (presumably to 1. FC Nürnberg) and Keven Schlotterbeck (back to SC Freiburg after a loan) would certainly be gone. A new defensive unit would presumably be built around Cristian Gamboa, Felix Passlack, Tim Oermann and Maximilian Wittek.
Midfield: There would also be a major bloodletting in midfield. Kevin Stöger would leave on a free transfer, Philipp Förster could also leave and Patrick Osterhage would move to SC Freiburg for a transfer fee of five million euros. Matus Bero would be another transfer candidate who does not see himself in the Bundesliga 2.
Lukas Daschner, winter signing Agon Elezi and Anthony Losilla could possibly stay, while numerous new players would have to arrive.
Offensive midfield and attack: The attack will also have to be tinkered with. Gonçalo Paciência (back to Celta Vigo after a loan spell) and Takuma Asano are certainly gone, and Christopher Antwi-Adjei would probably also leave the club as his contract expires. This would leave Moritz Broschinski, Philipp Hofmann and Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, three men who could also be involved in the Bundesliga 2.
In addition, Gerrit Holtmann (after a loan to Darmstadt 98), Jordi Osei-Tutu (after a loan to PAS Giannina), Paul Grave (after a loan to WSV) and Mats Pannewig (after a loan to Wiedenbrück) are four players returning, of whom Osei-Tutu in particular is unlikely to play a role.
Grave, Pannewig and Holtmann would be three players who could be an issue in a rebuild. There are many question marks, but one thing is clear: a lot will change at VfL and a rebuild is inevitable. A new coach would also have to be found, and what will happen to the sporting directors Patrick Fabian and Marc Lettau is also written in the stars. The duo would also no longer be firmly in the saddle.
An overview of the current personnel situation at VfL Bochum
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
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 (end of career)
Still open after contract expires:Kevin Stöger, Ivan Ordets, Takuma Asano, Christopher Antwi-Adjei, Keven Schlotterbeck (on loan from SC Freiburg, VfL would like to keep him), Patrick Osterhage (SC Freiburg)