While other third-division clubs have already announced new signings, Energie Cottbus has held back—until now.

In the tight promotion race in the 3. Liga, Energie Cottbus holds the lead going into the winter break. However, the club’s management is already looking well beyond the end of the season when it comes to the squad.

Energie Cottbus has signed Gianluca Pelzer, a promising young player from league rival TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II. The 19-year-old stands 1.86 meters tall and plays center back.

“We want to continuously develop our club. This also involves reshaping our squad for the medium and long term and positioning it for the future. Not least, we have great confidence in Maniyel’s expertise; in addition to the many players in the men’s squad, he very often scouts young players from the youth ranks as well. With Gianluca Pelzer, we have signed a player with potential and promise, and we would like to support him in his further development. We are delighted that he is joining us,” said his new head coach Claus-Dieter “Pele” Wollitz.

Pelzer was born in Trier but grew up on the Baltic Sea coast. In his early youth, he initially played for Rostocker FC before moving to the youth academy of F.C. Hansa Rostock in the summer of 2013. At FC Hansa, he progressed through the competitive teams in the respective junior Bundesliga leagues, attracting the interest of TSG Hoffenheim.

For the Bundesliga club, he played a total of 16 matches in the 2024/2025 season across the DFB Youth League, UEFA Youth League, and the DFB Junior Cup. Since last summer, the center back has been part of the second team’s squad in the 3. Liga but has not yet seen any playing time there.

He will now continue his career in Cottbus. “We have been keeping an eye on Gianluca for quite some time and are convinced that he can achieve a lot with his natural talent and potential for development. We like the modern approach to defense that he brings, and it suits us well,” said Energie’s squad planner Maniyel Nergiz.