Michael Gregoritsch bids farewell to SC Freiburg. The Austrian could make his debut for his new club Bröndby IF as early as Thursday.
After 13 years in Germany, Michael Gregoritsch is starting a new chapter: The Austrian, who was most recently linked with Bundesliga club Werder Bremen, among others, is leaving his adopted home and joining Bröndby IF. The 31-year-old has signed a three-year contract in the suburbs of the Danish capital Copenhagen.
The striker, who was not included in SC Freiburg’s matchday squad for the first round of the DFB Cup, wants to gain some playing experience a year before the World Cup in North America. Gregoritsch can hope to do so with the current second-placed team in the 3F Superliga. The Danes have him lined up as their number one striker – after consultation with Austria’s national coach Ralf Rangnick, this was the most important criterion for the transfer with a view to next summer’s soccer tournament.
“Michael is a type of player we haven’t had in our squad before. He is physically strong and clever, has good heading ability, a strong left foot and good technique, and can therefore play a central role both as a target player and in build-up play,” said Brøndby’s director of professional football, Benjamin Schmedes, about the signing of the 31-year-old.
“Goosebumps moment” against Lens
The Austrian and the sports club are parting ways one year before the end of his contract. Gregoritsch moved from Augsburg to Breisgau in 2022 and played 107 competitive games for Freiburg, scoring 30 goals. His most important goal was probably the winner in extra time against RC Lens (3-2 a.e.t.) in the Europa League, when the 31-year-old led Freiburg to the round of 16 in a dramatic game in 2023/24.
“Gregerl has been the face of our team for the past three years and we have had many great experiences together. His winning goal in extra time in the play-offs against Lens, for example, will always be a goose bump moment,” said board member Jochen Saier, looking back on the Austrian’s time in Breisgau in a club statement.
Conference League already on Thursday?
This will be Gregoritsch’s first move outside the German-speaking world. He joined TSG Hoffenheim from youth club SV Kapfenberg in 2012. Since then, the Austrian has played for St. Pauli, Bochum, HSV, Augsburg, Schalke, and most recently Freiburg in the German professional leagues.
“Freiburg has grown close to my heart in recent years, both professionally and personally. That’s why this decision was really not an easy one for me. I look back with fond memories on our time together and can say that SC Freiburg has gained a true fan,” said the 31-year-old as he bid farewell to the SC fans.
The Austrian could make his competitive debut for Bröndby as early as Thursday, when the Conference League play-off first leg against French first division side Racing Club Strasbourg is scheduled.