FC Gütersloh makes its second acquisition from relegated Rot Weiss Ahlen. A former Schalke player strengthens the midfield.

FC Gütersloh have secured their next new signing ahead of the new season in the Regionalliga West. And after Jannik Borgmann, Gütersloh’s seventh external signing also comes from Regionalliga relegated side Rot Weiss Ahlen.

Erik Lanfer is the new man in the FCG midfield. The 20-year-old moved to Ahlen last summer from FC Schalke 04’s U19 side. In his first season at the Werse, the Borken native made 24 appearances (four assists), all but one of them in the starting eleven. In the 1:1 draw against his new club in March, Lanfer was able to convince his future coach of his qualities.

“After the game against us, we looked at two more things and the impression was confirmed. He’s a very good footballer and a strong runner, but still needs to get stronger physically,” said Julian Hesse, describing the new signing, who is at home in central defensive midfield.

At the age of 20, the former Schalke player still has a lot of potential. In the Knappenschmiede, he was part of a team that made it to the final of the DFB Cup for A-Juniors in 2022/23 (3:4 n.V. against 1. FC Köln).

“We are absolutely convinced that he can develop into a great regional league player in the coming years. This is a good transfer for us for the future. Erik has already proven that he can play at a very good level in the Regionalliga,” said Hesse, praising the midfielder.

FC Gütersloh, which is entering its second season after promotion to the Regionalliga, had previously announced the signings of Justus Henke (SC Paderborn), Henri Bollmann (SCV Neuenbeken), Phil Beckhoff (Wuppertaler SV), Roman Schabbing (SC Preußen Münster), Luis Frieling (SpVg. Vreden) and Jannik Borgmann (Rot Weiss Ahlen).