Rot-Weiss Essen have hit the transfer market again – this time with league rivals Dynamo Dresden.
Rot-Weiss Essen have unveiled Tobias Kraulich, who has long been rumored to be the desired successor to departing central defender Felix Götze. Forecasting had already reported exclusively several times beforehand.
Kraulich was trained at Rot-Weiß Erfurt and in the U23s of 1. FC Nürnberg, and the then 21-year-old made the leap into the 2nd Bundesliga with his subsequent move to Würzburger Kickers. The left-footed player played 15 games for Würzburger in his first season in the German lower division. He later became an undisputed regular in the 3rd division before moving on to SV Meppen and most recently Dresden. In total, Kraulich made 55 appearances in the regional league, 81 games in the 3rd division and 15 games in the 2nd Bundesliga.
“With Meppen and Dresden, I experienced Hafenstrasse as an opponent. The incredible volume from the stands has stayed in my head. I’m really keen to experience this support from the fans for my own team in the future,” said the new signing.
He continued: “After good talks with the people in charge, I am firmly convinced that I am taking the right next step in my career by moving to RWE.”
Kraulich also fits in perfectly with the ideas of RWE coach Christoph Dabrowski, as he indicated: “Tobias Kraulich is a robust and tall central defender who will give our defense more stability. In addition, as a left-footer, he has the profile we are looking for in our build-up play and will also pose a threat in the opposition penalty area thanks to his strong header. We are delighted that Tobias has decided to join us.”
Marcus Steegmann, Director of Professional Football, also commented: “In Tobias Kraulich, we’ve been able to acquire a player with strong leadership qualities who already has a great deal of experience, but at the age of 25 is not yet at the end of his development. He is capable of leading the way and should play a leading role in our team through his performance. Last season did not go as well as he would have liked due to his thigh problems. Nevertheless, we are convinced that he will be a real boost for us in the medium term. “