Rot-Weiss Essen needs new players. The return of a former key player would help at most, but the chances are vanishingly small. A commentary.

What’s next for Marvin Obuz? This is certainly one of the most important questions for the fans of Rot-Weiss Essen regarding the winter transfer window.

On the one hand, RWE needs new players, as the season so far has shown. The priority is to sign a number nine who can cause trouble in the center.

Only when this problem has been solved will it be possible to see what else can be done. So far, there is apparently hardly any budget available. A man for defensive midfield would also suit RWE well, as would a goal-scoring man like Obuz, who comes from the wings, is strong in finishing and in preparation.

They are very difficult to find, especially in winter. It therefore makes sense that the people in charge at Rot-Weiss Essen at least try to knock on the door of the 21-year-old again, who is once again barely getting any game time at 1. FC Köln.

As reported by the WAZ, the club’s officials are indeed considering a return. After all, they know what they are getting: in the last third-league season (he was loaned from 1. FC Köln to Essen), Obuz was a key player with 21 scoring points.

After his loan year at Hafenstraße, Obuz now wanted to get off to a flying start in the 2nd Bundesliga. But so far, FC coach Gerhard Struber has not yet let him off the leash. Only two appearances in the league (a total of 30 minutes), so it certainly doesn’t help the player that he has been praised more often recently – for example after the test against FC Groningen (1-1), when he was allowed to play on the right wing – and apparently with success.

Since his contract ends in the summer of 2025, there are currently many indications that Obuz will be allowed to leave the club in the winter (presumably on a free transfer) if nothing changes in his situation in the last few games.

Which means: a loan would not be an option, it would probably be a permanent transfer. And RWE’s chances of being able to lure Obuz back to Essen are certainly pretty slim.

RWE coach Christoph Dabrowski also said that the offensive man has actually had his day in the 3rd division this season. Certainly not in the relegation battle, so it is certain that there will be numerous interested parties should it be clear that he will leave Cologne in the winter.

Nevertheless, RWE must try to explore his chances, that is certainly true. But everyone should be aware that the chances of a return are minimal, if at all.