Rot Weiss Ahlen has strengthened its squad once again in the battle against relegation from the Oberliga Westfalen. The new signing has recently celebrated two promotions.
Rot Weiss Ahlen had already made two moves in the transfer market. In mid-December, the club announced the loans of Iskender Aslan (SC Wiedenbrück) and Jan Nzeba-Bost (VfL Bochum II) until the end of the season. Now, the second-to-last team in the Oberliga Westfalen has secured its first permanent signing. Franko Uzelac is coming to Ahlen from Sportfreunde Lotte in the Regionalliga West. The 31-year-old center back has signed a contract until summer 2027 with an option for a further year. “Franko has exactly the profile we were looking for. He is extremely experienced, knows how to handle pressure situations from many years in higher-level soccer, and knows how to take responsibility. On top of that, he has a connection to Ahlen – he knows what this club and this city mean. We are convinced that he will immediately help our team both athletically and mentally,” explained Luka Tankulic, sporting director of RWA, in the presentation on the club’s website. Uzelac said of his return to his roots: “It’s something special for me. I was born here and I’m really looking forward to this challenge. The discussions were open and clear – I was offered a role with responsibility, and that’s exactly what appeals to me. I bring a lot of experience with me and want to help the team gain stability and achieve our goals together.”
Experience is certainly a big factor with Uzelac. During his career, he has played over 260 games in the Regionalliga, including 13 in the current season for Sportfreunde Lotte. Prior to that, he was also part of the 3. Liga squad at Würzburger Kickers in the 2017/18 season, for whom he also made an appearance in the 2. Bundesliga.
However, he spent most of his career playing in the regional leagues in the west, north, and northeast. Among other things, he celebrated promotion to the 3rd division with Alemannia Aachen. He achieved the same feat a season later with MSV Duisburg, which he then left for Lotte before this season and now leads in his hometown of Ahlen.