Most valuable player in the 3rd league
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Hertha BSC is pushing ahead with squad planning after the license has been granted for the 2026/27 season. A name that, according to information from “Bild”, is at the top of the Berliners’ wish list is Noah Darvich from VfB Stuttgart. Last Friday, the latter became the joint most valuable player in the 3rd league with his new market value in Höhr of 4 million euros.
The 19-year-old played there for the Swabians’ U21 team last season and was able to impress with strong numbers: in 29 games, the right winger scored ten goals, prepared six more goals and was voted newcomer of the season. However, at Champions League participant VfB, the prospect of playing time for the youngster, who trained at SC Freiburg and honed at FC Barcelona between 2023 and 2025, is manageable.
He has not been able to play in the Bundesliga to date and his contract runs until 2029. According to the paper, the Bundesliga club is planning to loan Darvich out in the summer. At the capital city club, whose focus when it comes to squad planning is reportedly initially on sales in order to create financial leeway, this could open the door for a deal with VfB.
VfB’s ideas are clear: Darvich should receive regular match practice at his next club in order to further advance his development. In addition to Hertha, Werder Bremen and Bundesliga relegated VfL Wolfsburg are also said to have expressed interest or inquiries. However, according to “Bild”, the German U17 world and European champion’s chances of playing there are lower than in Berlin.
There, Darvich could actually grow into the role of Marten Winkler, who is willing to change and was previously placed on the right wing. Coach Stefan Leitl recently confirmed the 23-year-old’s (contract until 2027) wish for change and let it be known that efforts were being made to find a solution.
Provided there is a suitable offer, homegrown Winkler should move on in the summer. People on the Spree are convinced of Darvich’s qualities and it is said that the sporting leadership would promise him plenty of playing time in the 2nd Bundesliga if he were to move. It remains to be seen where the 2023 U17 World Champion will take the next step.
