LInstead of change fever: The Bundesliga is facing a bleak transfer window. In January 2020, a good 190 million euros, which had never been invested before, were spent on new players, the coronavirus pandemic is causing the dreams of new stars to burst a year later. “The upcoming transfer winter as such will hardly take place with us against this background,” said Dortmund boss Hans-Joachim Watzke to the newspapers of the Funke media group, speaking in principle for the entire Bundesliga.
Record champions and leaders Bayern Munich, pursuers Bayer Leverkusen and BVB are all planning the same thing in the transfer deadline that begins on Saturday. Namely nothing. RB Leipzig is out of line and, with the 20 million euros paid for Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai, could be the club that has spent the most money before the window is opened. According to sports director Markus Krösche, further transfers are “currently not planned”.
Even at the newly rich “Big City Club” Hertha BSC, despite the recent millions of millions of investors, they are at least publicly cautious. You watch the market, but prefer to concentrate on the existing player material, said manager Michael Preetz. A year ago, the then chief innovator Jürgen Klinsmann was allowed to use the transfer market for almost 80 million euros and led the capital city club to the glamorous and unofficial title of winter transfer master. However, given the investments made by financier Lars Windhorst, Hertha continues to be a particularly solvent club, especially during the pandemic – and is associated with various professionals such as Italy’s national player Federico Bernardeschi from Juventus Turin.
In Gladbach, manager Max Eberl treats himself to a sabbatical month that may be impossible at other times, with relegation candidate Mainz the activities will certainly only become more intense with the arrival of the new coach. And so the tail light Schalke 04 can provide some movement. On loan from Arsenal to Sead Kolasinac, the first newcomer is already there and despite very tight budgets, the squad is likely to change even further.
However, no newcomers will provide emergency aid. When both leagues start the second part of the season on Saturday, even the players who have already arrived will only sit in the stands. According to the requirements of the German Football League, they may only be used from January 8th. And only if the players have proven the negative corona tests prescribed by the DFL hygiene concept.
Many clubs would prefer to be active on the sales side anyway. This is not only intended to give in for personnel who are not found to be good enough. The club fund, which was shaken by the effects of the corona, should also be filled a little. The only question is how much can you ask in this unusual January window. It currently looks like it will not be a seller’s market.
The overview of the business games in the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
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