While other third division clubs have already presented their new signings, Energie Cottbus has held back – until now.

In the tight race for promotion in the 3rd division, Energie Cottbus is ahead at the winter break. However, those responsible are already planning well beyond the end of the season with regard to the squad. With Gianluca Pelzer, Energie Cottbus has signed an exciting prospect from league rivals TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II. The 19-year-old is 1.86 meters tall and plays as a center back.

“We want to continuously develop our club. This also includes changing our squad in the medium and long term and setting it up for the future. Not least, we have great confidence in Maniyel’s expertise, who, in addition to the many players in the men’s team, also very often observes young players from the youth teams. In Gianluca Pelzer, we have signed a player with potential and prospects and would like to accompany 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. In his early youth, he first played for Rostocker FC before joining the youth academy of F.C. Hansa Rostock in the summer of 2013. At FC Hansa, he played for the performance teams in the respective junior Bundesliga leagues, attracting the interest of TSG Hoffenheim.

He played a total of 16 games for the Bundesliga club in the 2024/2025 season in the DFB Youth League, UEFA Youth League, and DFB Junior Cup competitions. Since last summer, the center back has been part of the second team’s squad in the 3rd division, but has not played there yet.

He will now continue his career in Cottbus. “We have been watching Gianluca for quite some time and are convinced that he can achieve a lot with his talent and potential for development. We like his modern interpretation of defensive play, which suits us well,” said Energie squad planner Maniyel Nergiz.