Rot-Weiss Essen needs new players. The return of a former star player would be a huge help, but the chances are slim. A commentary.

What’s next for Marvin Obuz? For Rot-Weiss Essen fans, that’s definitely one of the most important questions surrounding 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 once this work has been done will it be possible to see what else is possible. Financially, there appears to be very little budget available at present. RWE would also benefit from a defensive midfielder, as well as a goal-scoring player like Obuz, who comes in from the wing and is strong in front of goal and in the build-up play.

These are very difficult to find, especially in winter. It therefore makes sense for those responsible at Rot-Weiss Essen to at least try to knock on the door of the 21-year-old again, who is once again hardly getting any playing time at 1. FC Köln.

According to the WAZ newspaper, those responsible are indeed working on a return deal. After all, they know what they are getting: Obuz was a difference maker in the last third division season (he was loaned to Essen by 1. FC Köln) with 21 points.

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

With his contract expiring in the summer of 2025, there are currently many indications that Obuz will be allowed to leave FC Essen in the winter (presumably on a free transfer) if his situation does not change in the last few games.

This means that a loan would not be an option; it would probably be a permanent transfer. And RWE’s chances of luring Obuz back to Essen are certainly pretty slim.

RWE coach Christoph Dabrowski also said that the offensive player has no place in the 3rd division this season. Especially not in a relegation battle, so there will certainly be numerous interested parties if it becomes clear that he will leave Cologne in the winter.

Nevertheless, RWE must try to explore its options, that is certainly the right thing to do. But everyone should be aware that the chances of a return are minimal, if not non-existent.