Bitter news for Wuppertaler SV: a midfielder who was supposed to strengthen the team will be out for a long time.

“We are very happy that we were able to add to our squad again after the departure of Kevin Rodrigues Pires. Tom is a perfect fit for WSV both in terms of character and ability,” said Gaetano Manno, sporting director of Wuppertaler SV, after Tom Geerkens’ signing.

Shortly before the end of the last winter transfer window, the regional league team WSV entered into a loan deal with third division team Arminia Bielefeld. The midfielder was supposed to help the Wuppertal team in the regional league promotion battle over the next few weeks and months. But that won’t happen.

After two appearances, the bad news followed. On Carnival Monday, February 12, 2024, Wuppertal SV announced:

“Our winter signing Tom Geerkens suffered a major setback in the away game against SV Rödinghausen on Saturday. A syndesmosis ligament tear forces him to take a break for several weeks and he will not be available to the club for the time being. We wish Tom Geerkens a quick and successful recovery. The team will fight without him until he is fit again. All the best, Tom!”

Wuppertal wanted to sign Geerkens in the summer of 2023

They had been looking at Geerkens as early as the summer, who had previously been captain of the U23 team for Fortuna Düsseldorf II in the Regionalliga West. At the time, however, the central midfielder decided to take on the challenge of the 3rd division and joined the Arminen.

However, the man, who played a total of 74 fourth division games for Wegberg-Beeck and Fortuna, was unable to establish himself there. After just nine league and three Westfalenpokal appearances (one goal), he now has a move to Bergisch for at least six months. But now Wuppertal will have to wait until Easter for the return of the third division professional on loan from Bielefeld.