Wolfsburg brings DFB striker
A turning point at Union: Behrens is also leaving Berlin
January 31, 2024, 8:43 p.m
Striker Kevin Behrens is moving within the Bundesliga. VfL Wolfsburg is also reacting to personnel problems. For 1. FC Union, the striker’s departure represents a turning point. It remains to be seen whether Yorbe Vertessen’s desired transfer from PSV Einhoven will still be successful.
The transfer of striker Kevin Behrens from 1. FC Union Berlin to VfL Wolfsburg is perfect. The clubs agreed on an immediate move for the 32-year-old. “Kevin comes from current game operations, he knows the league and will therefore only need a short period of getting used to it,” said VfL sports director Sebastian Schindzielorz. VfL did not provide any information about the duration of the contract; according to media reports, Behrens is said to have signed until 2026. A low single-digit million sum is being discussed as a transfer fee.
Behrens scored four goals in the first two games of this Bundesliga season and then made his debut in the German national team in October against Mexico (2-2) as a substitute for a few minutes. Since this successful start to the season, the Bremen native has not scored another goal. His rise was still astonishing: it was only in the summer of 2021 that he moved from the second division club SV Sandhausen to the Alte Försterei on a free transfer. At the time, the transfer seemed to be one for the width. There was one at the top.
The Wolfsburg team, on the other hand, lacked an alternative to their striker Jonas Wind in attack. Lukas Nmecha was injured for months and summer transfer Amin Sarr has been disappointing so far. “With Kevin in mind, we now have a striker in our squad who has an exceptionally good header game, a great mentality and a high level of resilience,” said Schindzielorz.
For the Union team, who are threatened with relegation, the farewell to Behrens finally means a turning point in the offensive. Sheraldo Becker had previously moved to Real Sociedad San Sebastian, David Fofana was recalled from his parent club Chelsea FC and loaned out to Burnley FC. The Iron Men brought in Chris Bedia from Servette Geneva. It remains to be seen whether Yorbe Vertessen’s desired transfer from PSV Einhoven will still be successful on Thursday. Coach Nenad Bjelica had recently stopped relying on Behrens as a regular player. Benedict Hollerbach was more trusted as a fast, agile striker.