TSG Hoffenheim enters the 2026/27 season as a strengthened squad following a productive transfer window that saw sporting director Andreas Schicker conduct significant roster adjustments. The club sold Bazoumana Touré to Newcastle for approximately €50 million and reinvested roughly €68 million into the team, mindful of their newly earned Europa League participation. Key departures included midfielder Grischa Prömel, while several fringe players were moved out via loan arrangements with compensation fees.
Notable arrivals include teenage Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, left-back Mats Rots for €12 million, attacking midfielder Adam Daghim from Salzburg for €13 million, and defensive midfielder Cajetan Lenz for €10 million. Centre-back Sean Dulic joined on a free transfer from 1860 München. Striker Alessandro Vogt was also brought in to bolster attacking options. The squad underwent substantial changes while retaining its established core, including goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, defender Ozan Kabak, midfielder Wouter Burger, and forward Andrej Kramarić.
During preseason, Hoffenheim demonstrated competitive form against quality opposition, including Bundesliga-level teams like Greuther Fürth and Holstein Kiel. A friendly against Tottenham proved less successful, with Hoffenheim losing 3-0 in their most competitive test. Christian Ilzer’s squad appeared to operate comfortably in both 4-4-2 diamond and 4-2-2-2 formations throughout the preparation period. Tim Lemperle emerged as a standout performer, while young striker Max Moerstedt showed considerable promise in limited opportunities, suggesting competition for minutes among Hoffenheim’s attacking options will remain intense throughout the campaign.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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