Ingolstadt FC Faces Deepening Deficit - Possible Involvement in Relegation Contests?
FC Ingolstadt's transfer activity for the 2025/26 season has seen a mix of new signings and notable departures, shaping their prospects in the 3. Liga (German third division).
Trainer Sabrina Wittmann has secured the services of seven new players, including Felix Keidel. However, Robin Fellhauer has left for Augsburg, according to reports [2][3]. The squad still retains a diverse pool of players across positions, with Kai Eisele in goal, defenders like Simon Lorenz and Jonas Scholz, midfielders including Max Besuschkow and the departed Benjamin Kanuric, and forwards such as Ognjen Drakulic and Frederik Christensen [3].
The transfer windows for summer 2025 opened on June 1 and closed on September 1, leaving room for further moves. Yet, there have been no reports of major star signings or high-profile departures that might drastically change the club's strength compared to last season [1][2].
With these factors in mind, FC Ingolstadt's prospects for the 2025/26 season seem to hinge more on squad continuity and development rather than a major overhaul. The absence of blockbuster transfers suggests they may aim for steady performance and possible promotion contention in the 3. Liga rather than an immediate leap beyond it [3].
However, the club faces potential challenges. The departure of key player Benjamin Kanuric to Portuguese second division side Leixões SC, along with the loss of top scorer Sebastian Groß to Hertha BSC, could prove significant [4]. Moreover, if further reinforcements are not found, the club could even face the threat of relegation in the worst-case scenario.
The sales of Deniz Zeitler (TSG Hoffenheim), Felix Keidel (SV Elversberg), Mladen Cvjetinovic (Holstein Kiel), Niclas Düring (Karlsruher SC) and Bryang Kayo (VfL Osnabrück, now OH Leuven) have brought in around two million euros for FC Ingolstadt, in addition to the transfer income from Benjamin Kanuric [5]. The transfer of Leon Guwara to Energie Cottbus hardly makes a difference.
Benjamin Kanuric, a mainstay in the FC Ingolstadt midfield, made an impact both on and off the pitch. His departure leaves a void that will be challenging to fill [6].
As the summer transfer window continues, FC Ingolstadt will be keen to secure further reinforcements to bolster their squad and maintain their competitive edge in the 3. Liga. Only time will tell how these moves will shape their season ahead.
References: [1] [Sports News Source 1] [2] [Sports News Source 2] [3] [Sports News Source 3] [4] [Sports News Source 4] [5] [Sports News Source 5] [6] [Sports News Source 6]
FC Ingolstadt's sports-analysis might highlight the emphasis on squad continuity and development for the 2025/26 season, given the mix of new signings like Felix Keidel and notable departures, Such as Benjamin Kanuric, who left for Portuguese side Leixões SC. The club's prospects could hinge more on the performance and possible promotion contention in the 3. Liga, as suggested by the absence of blockbuster transfers.
