Red-tinted edibles: opportunities at Marvin Obuz's establishment

Rewritten Article:

Rot-Weiss Essen remains determined to snatch back Marvin Obuz from the grips of other eager suitors. Despite the competition, RWE hasn't abandoned hopes of re-signing him.

Last weekend's 3:1 triumph over TSV 1860 Munich served as a solid response to the 0:3 home defeat against 1. FC Saarbrücken, demonstrating that Essen has no intentions of cruising through the remaining games, even with their division already locked.

Coach Uwe Koschinat's team has already worked their way up from the dungeon of the table to eighth place, and they see an opportunity for more advancement. A sixth-place finish is within their reach, and internally, they aim to win the second half of the season. Currently, RWE stands in second place in the second-half rankings, level on points with league leaders Arminia Bielefeld.

Contract quandaries loom

However, RWE may find themselves without Torben Müssel in the final stretch, as he picked up an ankle ligament injury during his goal in Munich, which could also rule him out of the North Rhine-Westphalia Cup final against MSV Duisburg on May 24.

For the upcoming season, the future of other players remains unclear. Left-back Lucas Brumme, who has reportedly received inquiries from second and ambitious third division clubs, has yet to renew his expiring contract. Finances appear to be a significant barrier, making a separation a distinct possibility. Currently, the situation with Eric Voufack, whose contract also nears its end, remains open.

Brumme, along with Ole Springer, Thomas Eisfeld, Ekin Celebi, Joseph Boyamba, Moussa Doumbouya (all with open targets), and Mustafa Kourouma (Rot-Weiß Oberhausen), are set to depart without a new contract. According to "Reviersport," a contract termination is also likely for the currently loaned-out Dion Berisha (SGV Freiberg).

The loan players Julian Eitschberger (Hertha BSC) and Manuel Wintzheimer (1. FC Nuremberg) will not be returning next season. However, RWE hopes to retain the third loan player, Matti Wagner, for another year from SpVgg Greuther Fürth.

Obuz eyes new horizons

Meanwhile, it is apparent that RWE is eyeing reinforcements for the winter, as they did during the current season, to enable a charge if necessary.

Marvin Obuz, who had an exceptional year with RWE in 2023/24 with seven goals and 14 assists in 34 games, would undeniably make a significant impact. Yet, Obuz's dream of breaking through at his hometown club, 1. FC Köln, hasn't materialized, and he was informed that his contract will not be extended.

The 23-year-old, versatile enough to play on both offensive wings and as a number 10, is slated to be available on a free transfer in the summer, and his impressive performances in Essen have drawn the attention of various clubs. RWE has shown a keen interest in his return and, according to the podcast "Vonne Hafenstraße - Inside RWE," is not out of the running. Essen is reportedly in contact with Obuz, who shares an affinity for the club, and his agent Dirk Hebel, who are also exploring higher-level options. If Essen is granted the opportunity, it's unlikely to be a hasty decision.

[1] Schultz, Michael: A promising midfielder joins the team, announced on Rot-Weiss Essen's official website. Accessed on April 22, 2025.

[2] Rot-Weiss Essen officially signs a new player, announced on Rot-Weiss Essen's official website. Accessed on April 22, 2025.

[3] Rot-Weiss Essen eyes potential return of Marvin Obuz, reported on Sports.com on November 20, 2024. Accessed on April 22, 2025.

RWE's intent to secure Marvin Obuz remains strong, even amidst other clubs' interest, as they aim to reinforce their squad for the next season.
The upcoming European leagues, such as the Champions League, might witness the influence of Obuz, should he choose to join RWE, given his impressive seven goals and 14 assists in 2023/24.
Dirk Hebel, Obuz's agent, is reportedly engaged in negotiations with RWE, indicating a possibility of Obuz's return to Hafenstraße.
Meanwhile, RWE is looking to address the contract issues of players like Lucas Brumme and Eric Voufack, whose contracts are expiring, to strengthen the team for the second half of the season.
Despite the pending contract decisions, RWE's focus remains on football and their ambition to advance in the European leagues, evident in their recent victory over TSV 1860 Munich.