Fresh Faces Join Championship Squads SC Magdeburg and SG Flensburg-Handewitt
Berlin/Magdeburg (dpa) -
New Arrivals at SC Magdeburg
Scandalous moves rattled the world of German handball, as HC Erlangen's legal battle over Manuel Zehnder's contract termination stalled, and out-of-court negotiations failed. Despite a hefty buy-out fee, Eisenach couldn't afford it, and negotiations fizzled. Meanwhile, Bennet Wiegert, head coach of German champions SC Magdeburg, snatched the Swiss national player from the Thuringians. "His dynamic playstyle meshes perfectly with our team. Plus, at just 24, Zehnder will continue to grow," claimed Wiegert. Zehnder, himself, expressed a eagerness for "fast-paced handball and one-on-one situations."
Additionally, Wiegert's protege, 27-year-old Tim Zechel, returned to Magdeburg following Lucas Meister's departure. Zechel, the German national player from HC Erlangen, is anticipated to flourish alongside Magnus Saugstrup and Oscar Bergendahl, claiming, "I don't aim to hide but learn as much as possible."
Amid Paris Olympic woes, right wing Tim Hornke and Daniel Pettersson were injured, prompting the signing of Isak Persson, a 24-year-old Swedish right-winger. Now without a club after Bergischer HC, Persson's arrival fortuitously bolstered Magdeburg's competitiveness during this critical juncture.
Veteran Spotlight: Tobias Reichmann
Both Magdeburg and Berlin responded to departing players, notably Hans Lindberg. In Berlin's case, they signed former European champion and 106-time national player Tobias Reichmann. With extensive club victories, including two German championships and two Champions League titles with THW Kiel, plus distinguishing himself as a Polish champion, cup winner, and King's Cup champion with Industria Kielce, Reichmann's expertise is a worthy addition to the team.
New Talent Emerging: Lasse Ludwig
Last season with VfL Potsdam, Lasse Ludwig showcased his talent as a calm, composed goalkeeper, ultimately setting a course for a brighter future. With Berlin's big brother ready to embrace him, this prodigious keeper is set to further his development, providing a secure defense with his clutch play.
SG Flensburg-Handewitt's Additions
SG Flensburg-Handewitt has strategically strengthened their team with newcomers, including Filip Glavaš, an experienced Croatian right-winger, scheduled to join the ranks in 2025. Glavaš, currently a member of RK Zagreb and boasting international acclaim from RK Trimo Trebnje in Slovenia, is poised to fortify their right-wing position, offering depth and competition, especially as contracts for current right-wingers Hansen and Horgen approach their expiration dates.
Notable Transfers and Signings:
- SG Flensburg-Handewitt: Filip Glavaš (27-year-old Croatian right-winger, joining in 2025)
- SC Magdeburg: Manuel Zehnder (Swiss national player), Isak Persson (Swedish right-winger), Lasse Ludwig (goalkeeper prodigy)
- SG Flensburg-Handewitt: Domen Novak (Slovenian right-winger, joining from HSG Wetzlar)
