Additions, departures and contract extensions: As in every league, there is currently a lot going on in the Regionalliga West.

Maximilian Hippe and SV Rödinghausen have agreed to extend his contract, which was due to expire in the summer. The 26-year-old central defender has signed a new contract until June 30, 2026. Hippe, who played for SVR as a youth player, returned from Kaiserslautern in January 2023. Born in Bielefeld, he has already made over 80 appearances in the Wiehenelf jersey in the Regionalliga West. “We are delighted that we can continue to count on Max’s services. He is an important pillar in our defense and a player who still has a lot of potential despite his vast experience,” said SVR sporting director Alexander Müller.

Those responsible at runners-up 1. FC Bocholt are also pleased about two important contract extensions. While Dildar Atmaca is moving to Wuppertaler SV – Forecasting reported – Ali Barak and Isaak Akritidis are staying at Bocholt Hünting.

Akritidis joined 1. FC Bocholt on loan in 2022 before the “Schwatten” signed him permanently in 2023. Although he only made 16 appearances this season due to injury, he scored two goals and set up two others. He has played for FCB both as a full-back and as an attacking midfielder.

Christopher Schorch, sporting director at 1. FC Bocholt, says: “Isaak certainly didn’t have an easy year, but in the minutes he was on the pitch, he showed that he can be a difference-maker. I had very good and honest conversations with him, in which it became clear that he wants to continue to develop with us. I’m glad that his path at 1. FC Bocholt is continuing and I’m convinced that we’ll still have a lot of fun with him.”

The 21-year-old left-back Barak has now also signed a new contract at the Hünting. Barak moved from Dutch club Roda Kerkrade to Bocholt Hünting in the summer of 2023. The Turkish U21 international, who trained at Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s youth academy, made 16 appearances (two assists) in the recently concluded regional league season.

“I’m delighted that Ali wants to continue with us and take the next step at 1. FC Bocholt. The last few weeks in particular have shown what the youngster is capable of. He has already experienced many difficult phases in his career, but with us he is finally proving what potential he has,” explained Schorch.