Rot-Weiss Essen and Felix Götze are parting ways after two years. This has been official since Monday, May 13, 2024. The search for a successor is underway.

A few days after Rot-Weiss Essen’s 0:1 against TSV 1860 Munich and thus also the missed chance of a possible promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga, Felix Götze has provided clarity: The 26-year-old RWE defender informed the Red & White officials that he will not extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season, and will leave Hafenstraße.

Rot-Weiss Essen appear to have been prepared for Götze’s departure. “In recent weeks, it was of course our duty to examine other options and we have already held a number of talks in this regard. We are convinced that we will also have a strong team in the coming season,” said squad planner Marcus Steegmann in connection with Götze’s departure.

According to information from this editorial team, Tobias Kraulich from SG Dynamo Dresden already has a successor lined up. The 25-year-old is said to be in contact with Steegmann.

The problem: Kraulich is in high demand. According to our information, the Dynamo central defender is also at the top of DSC Arminia Bielefeld’s list. There is also keen interest from the Bundesliga 2. And: Dresden would also like to extend the expiring contract – which would only have been extended by a further season in the event of promotion – with the Erfurt-born player.

No wonder: after all, Dynamo were well on their way to the Bundesliga 2 with Kraulich in the team. With the central defender on the pitch, SGD picked up eight wins, drew once and lost four games. After that, the 1.91-meter man did not make any more appearances due to thigh problems and a torn muscle fiber. His last match dates back to February 7, 2024: Dresden’s 7:2 win over VfB Lübeck.

The 25-year-old Kraulich has made 81 appearances in the third division and 15 games in the 2nd Bundesliga. In addition to Dynamo Dresden, he has also played for SV Meppen, Würzburger Kickers, 1. FC Nürnberg II and Rot-Weiß Erfurt. He trained at SV Empor Erfurt and Rot-Weiß Erfurt. Perhaps a former player from the “RWE of the East” will soon be playing for the “RWE of the West.”