Before the change? Freiburg goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.
Photo: dpa / Patrick Seeger
When the largest transfer window in the history of the Bundesliga was finally open, almost nothing happened. André Schürrle said goodbye to Borussia Dortmund – both sides had previously agreed to terminate the contract. But otherwise there was unusual boredom on the often wildly raging player market. “I don’t remember that there were so few changes at the time,” long-time Bundesliga manager Christian Heidel told the “Kölner Stadtanzeiger” about the start of the long and strange transfer summer in football.
The mammoth phase officially called “Change Period 1.2” has been running since this Wednesday, during which sales and commitments are possible for almost three months. It only ends on October 5, so far the transfer window has mostly closed on August 31. »There is no experience for this situation. Everyone has to come up with their own strategy, «said Eintracht Frankfurt’s sports director Fredi Bobic.
So far, this strategy has consisted of waiting and watching each other almost everywhere. »I believe that this transfer period will be completely different than in the past. And that players come to the market very late, «said Max Eberl. The sports director of Borussia Mönchengladbach expects a move away from classic transfers. “Borrowing, bartering – there are other models now that can play a role,” says Eberl.
The later “closing time” is the result of the corona crisis, which has pushed the schedule back across Europe. In any case, Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressly welcomes the decision. »The final of the Champions League will be played on August 23, which is why the extra time gives all clubs six weeks. It is a wise decision, «said the 64-year-old. The clubs could react to vulnerabilities later than usual.
Above all, however, many clubs are currently experiencing low tide in the till. No expenditure without income – but the first domino has to fall. This is exemplified by the goalkeepers: Currently there are persistent rumors that Alexander Schwolow is moving from SC Freiburg to Schalke 04. But it is probably only with the completion of the change that the player carousel should turn more vigorously, at least in the position of the goalkeeper.
There are also losers. For example, those soccer players whose contract expires or who have no future at their club are initially hanging in the air for a long time. That will probably only change when the end of the transfer period is in sight. “The flood of players on the market will certainly be great in August,” Bobic suspects.
Until then, people will continue to lurk – or simply, as with Borussia Mönchengladbach, rely on the existing squad. Eberl said that two new signings are planned for the Bundesliga team this summer. After all, a Champions League participant also has to save in this unusual situation. Eberl believes that it will still take a while before the two planned transfers are completed. Because: »It’s a time that is different.« SID / nd
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