VfL Bochum are busy tinkering with their squad for the coming season. One hot lead points in the direction of interim sporting director Marc Lettau’s former club.
It’s an obvious thought: Marc Lettau joined VfL Bochum from Union Berlin in the winter and is putting together the squad this summer as interim sporting director. Consequently, players from his ex-club are also being linked to VfL. There is more to one rumour, less to another.
Union Berlin crowned a sensational season by qualifying for the Champions League. But this also means that the club will part with players who are not considered to be of “European class” calibre. One of them: Sven Michel.
The striker is said to have expressed his desire to move early on. At the beginning of the week, “Sky” reported that Bochum was a possible destination. According to information from the WAZ, VfL and the player’s side first spoke to each other about two months ago. The 32-year-old is said to be tempted by a move to Castroper Straße, but there are still reservations on the VfL side.
The reason: Michel still has a valid contract in Berlin until 2024, so a transfer fee would be due. No money has been spent on the transfers so far. According to the industry portal “transfermarkt.de”, Michel’s market value is 1.2 million euros. Is that a sum worth it to the Bochum management despite his advanced age?
VfL Bochum: Pro: Mentality, Con: Age
One thing is clear: VfL wants to rejuvenate itself. The first steps towards a lower age average were taken with the signings of Noah Loosli (26), Lukas Daschner (24) and Felix Passlack (25). Michel would counteract this, but Bochum could make an exception for him.
Apart from his age, the 32-year-old fits the Bundesliga club’s profile perfectly. VfL is convinced of Michel in terms of sport and, above all, character. After six years, he left SC Paderborn for Berlin in the winter of 2022 in order to compete in the Bundesliga at a higher age.
At Union, however, Michel did not get beyond the role of a wild card. He did play 21 times in the last Bundesliga season (three goals, one assist), but only twice from the start. In addition, he played seven games in the Europa League (two goals) and two DFB Cup games (one goal).
VfL Bochum: Michel Competition and Complement for Hofmann
In Bochum he will meet another late starter. Philipp Hofmann took the step into the highest German league last year at the age of 29 and played a solid debut season. Michel would compete with him for the position as a striker or – depending on the system – also stand alongside him, similar to Simon Zoller in some cases.
In terms of play, Michel would add a new component to Bochum’s offensive. He doesn’t need the high balls like Hofmann, but with his 1.77 metres he comes from deep, ties up opponents and always has an eye for his teammate. Above all, however, he is characterised by a strong mentality. A virtue that is often preached at VfL.
The fact is that the season has shown that there is a need for alternatives to Hofmann in the forward line. Moritz Broschinski is one of the surprises of the season, but after the departure of Silvere Ganvoula, who no longer played a role, we still need a striker. Possibly Michel.
Paul Seguin, on the other hand, is not said to be an issue at VfL Bochum – also Union Berlin. The Kicker reported that Bochum were interested, but according to WAZ information there is no truth in it. At least there have been no talks yet. Lettau would have the phone number in any case.