Rot-Weiss Essen have found Felix Götze’s successor. He comes to Hafenstraße from a league rival.
Rot-Weiss Essen have been searching hard for a successor to Felix Götze. Now the search for a new defensive boss is nearing completion: RWE has reached an agreement with Tobias Kraulich.
A few weeks ago, RevierSport reported on the Bergeborbecker’s interest in the 25-year-old from Dynamo Dresden. The club and player have now reached an agreement. According to RS information, the central defender will shortly undergo the medical check and then sign a two-year contract at Hafenstrasse.
After the Dresdeners lost out on promotion in the second half of the season despite an excellent starting position, Kraulich decided against extending his expiring contract (which would only have been extended in the event of promotion) in Saxony. A year ago, he moved from SV Meppen to SGD.
Several second and, above all, third division clubs also showed interest in the Erfurt native. Arminia Bielefeld, in particular, are said to have courted Kraulich intensively. However, the 1.91-meter man ultimately opted for RWE.
After a long injury break – Kraulich last appeared on the pitch in early February – he is set to play an important role in the Red & Whites’ center of defense in the new season. He has now overcome his persistent thigh problems.
Kraulich comes from the youth ranks of Rot-Weiß Erfurt. He played a total of 81 games in the 3rd division and 15 second division appearances for the Thuringians, Würzburger Kickers, SV Meppen and Dresden.
RWE plans for the defense not completed
However, the personnel plans for the defense are not yet complete. In their search for another central defender, the Essen club are still looking at Jakob Lewald, among others. The 25-year-old also last played for Dynamo Dresden and only missed one game in the season that ended.
Kraulich’s former colleague can leave SGD on a free transfer. However, a transfer is likely to be difficult for RWE to realize due to strong competition – especially from the 2nd Bundesliga. The same applies to Torge Paetow, captain of SC Verl. Sporting director Sebastian Lange recently announced that the defender would be staying. However, the last word may not yet have been spoken in this personnel matter