VfL Bochum's Tim Oermann and Tjark Ernst Fédérer pour l'Euro
Unleashing the Talent of Tim Oermann:
Tim Oermann, the young defender from Bochum, continues to make headlines. Amidst VfL Bochum's desperate attempt to avoid relegation in the Bundesliga, he secured a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, with an immediate loan to SK Sturm Graz.
On the horizon now, Tim is eager to prove himself in Germany's U21 squad at the Euros, but this wasn't always a certainty due to an injury. The U21 coach, Toni Di Salvo, announced the squad on Thursday, and Tim made the cut.
Joining him on the European Championship title quest from June 11 to 28 is none other than former Bochum player Tjark Ernst, the goalkeeper for second division club Hertha BSC. While Noah Atubolu will likely start ahead of him, Tjark is considered a good backup option.
The U21 team will set up base in Modra north of Bratislava, Slovakia after Pentecost Sunday. They aim to go one step further than last year's round of 16 exit, with their eyes set on the final themselves. Coach Antonio Di Salvo expressed their confidence, stating, "We had a very successful preparation."
Tim Oermann had to cut his preparation short due to muscular issues, but he participated in parts of the training on Tuesday and hopes to be fit for the opening match. Toni Di Salvo remains cautiously optimistic, stating that much can still change during training.
Meanwhile, two other players from VfL Bochum, Matus Bero and Ibrahima Sissoko, are also on international duty. Bero, who joined Bochum two years ago from Vitesse Arnheim and has ambitions to continue playing for his national team, is unlikely to extend his contract with Bochum past the 2025/26 season. His market value currently stands around 3.5 million euros, and Bochum is unlikely to sell him for less.
Regarding Ibrahima Sissoko, who joined Bochum without a transfer fee and has a prime contract running until 2027, there is a strong interest from several clubs. Sissoko, a central midfielder, has performed exceptionally well and could potentially attract Bayer Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, or even Fenerbahçe or Celtic.
Footnotes:[1] "Bochum's Ibrahima Sissoko attracts interest from English Premier League clubs," Sports Bild, March 2, 2024.[2] "Scottish giants Celtic eyeing a summer swoop for Bochum star Ibrahima Sissoko," Daily Record, March 5, 2024.[4] "Bayer Leverkusen and other teams are reportedly keen on Bochum's midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko," Transfermarkt, March 28, 2024.
Tim Oermann is determined to showcase his skills in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, hoping to make an impact following his loan to SK Sturm Graz from Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Sissoko, another standout player from VfL Bochum, is drawing interest from various clubs, including the English Premier League clubs, Scottish giants Celtic, and German teams like Bayer Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart, and Werder Bremen.
