Just a few days ago, Adam Daghim arrived from Salzburg as Hoffenheim’s latest signing; now Red Bull wants to sign TSG prospect Deniz Zeitler (19). But SC Paderborn is still in the mix as well.
When TSG most recently bolstered its squad with Adam Daghim from Salzburg, questions automatically arose for Deniz Zeitler about his future prospects at Hoffenheim. After all, the 19-year-old had most recently been given the opportunity to play in that very position—left-back—during the pros’ preseason friendlies. But now, in addition to Austrian national team player Alexander Prass, this 13-million-signing has also been thrust in his face. Zeitler is missing from the training camp in Austria.
Paderborn wants to sign Zeitler on loan
What to do? Accept the challenge and try to prove himself anyway? Or look elsewhere? After all, the forward—who was signed from Ingolstadt a little over a year ago—is due for the next step after two years in the 3. Liga. Probably not at Hoffenheim, though. After all, his chances of getting sufficient playing time with the first team have now dropped significantly.
Of all places, Daghim’s former club, Red Bull Salzburg, is now courting Zeitler to fill the open spot on their roster. The Austrians want to buy Zeitler; there’s talk of a transfer fee between four and five million euros. That would close the chapter on Zeitler for Hoffenheim. Recently, more and more signs have pointed toward this option. After all, this move would offer the player the opportunity to establish himself at a prestigious club and also the chance to play internationally.
The third Hoffenheim player to SC?
But a Bundesliga rival is also still in the mix. SC Paderborn is likewise trying to sign the lively, dribbling-savvy, and fast-starting forward. However, according to reports, the newly promoted club would only consider a loan deal. That would allow Zeitler to showcase his talents in the Bundesliga after all, while TSG would retain control over his contract.
Zeitler would then be the third player to move from TSG to Paderborn this summer. Previously, homegrown talent Luka Duric had already made the move there, and later, TSG also loaned goalkeeper Nahuel Noll (most recently with Hannover) to SCP.
Let’s see how all parties ultimately reach an agreement in the Zeitler case. Last season, he recorded an impressive 15 goals and five assists in 38 appearances for Hoffenheim’s second team in the 3. Liga.
