Borussia Mönchengladbach may face a major squad change next summer. Image: IMAGO/Laci Perenyi
Bundesliga
There is currently a lot of movement in the squad at Borussia Mönchengladbach. At the end of the season, the contracts of five top performers expire. Marcus Thuram, Ramy Bensebaini, Yann Sommer, Lars Stindl and Tony Jantschke could go on a free transfer in the summer. It goes without saying that this cannot be in the interest of the club. Julian Weigl’s loan from Benfica Lisbon is also coming to an end.
While Thuram, Bensebaini and Sommer in particular flirt heavily with national and international top clubs and it is conceivable that the veterans Stindl and Jantschke might want to reorient themselves again in the autumn of their careers, the situation with Julian Weigl is different.
Weigl was immediately convincing at Gladbach
The 27-year-old came on loan from Benfica Lisbon as coach Daniel Farke’s declared dream player before the season and immediately proved to be a reinforcement. Weigl completed twelve games for Borussia and mostly showed appealing performances.
Julian Weigl (left) played for Gladbach against his former club Borussia Dortmund. Image: IMAGO/Revierfoto
“Julian Weigl’s signing is already a success story,” said manager Roland Virkus weeks ago. “He makes very few mistakes, he’s also clever as a ball conqueror and enormously important for the entire structure of the team.”
Weigl’s loan agreement ends after the season, Gladbach allegedly has a purchase option of 15 million euros. The player himself has now positioned himself clearly. “I am someone who longs for continuity”, said the defensive midfielder to “kicker”. He didn’t want to “play at one club this year and the next year again.”
Because Gladbach’s football style suits him well, “I can of course very well imagine staying longer,” says Weigl.
However, his actual club Benfica Lisbon must also agree to Weigl staying on the Lower Rhine. But the chances are not bad, because for the rumored 15 million euros, the Portuguese would give up a player in Weigl who had only played a reserve role with them recently.
Kramer has extended, Koné is being courted
After Weigl’s midfield partner Christoph Kramer in Gladbach recently extended until 2025, Borussia also have the prospect of continuity in another position.
With Manu Koné, the third central midfielder in the league, however, the signs are more likely to say goodbye. The young Frenchman is hotly courted and, despite a contract until 2025, it is unlikely that he will be able to keep him if there are offers from England or France.
Marcus Thuram is currently playing the season of his life at Gladbach: After just 15 games, the 25-year-old has already scored ten goals and thus set his personal season record. In the top scorer ranking, he is in second place, only Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku has scored more often.
