By Paul Gorgas and Roberto Lamprecht
They moved to Berlin in 2020 for an incredible 49 million euros, are still the most expensive transfers in Hertha’s club history – and are now leaving the second division for almost nothing.
On Wednesday, Basaksehir Istanbul introduced Krzyszof Piatek (28). The striker left Hertha despite the current contract for zero tariffs – it once cost 24 million euros. They’re gone now. According to BZ information, the Berliners collect seven-digit bonuses if the Turkey club reaches the European Cup or becomes champion. But that has to happen first.
After all: According to BZ information, the bosses negotiated a resale participation of over 15 percent for Piatek. If it ever sells again…
Hertha’s Tousart is moving to Union Berlin
A similar loss business is Lucas Tousart (26 / Hertha contract until 2024): The Frenchman came to the XXL record price of 25 million euros. Also on Wednesday he moved to city rival Union. The iron pay only three million euros as a base amount, bonus payments can increase the sum to around six million.
According to BZ information, Tousart should sign a contract for at least three years in Köpenick.
Why is Hertha selling off players who once cost a record fee at a ridiculous price?
The simple answer: the Bundesliga relegated is apparently so financially weak that he wants the duo off the payroll immediately. That is why the first opportunity was taken to sell the two big earners.
The disadvantage: Hertha takes the opportunity to collect higher fees at a later date. Those responsible for the sport didn’t want to go into the poker game.
After the relegation, Piatek received around three million euros in basic salary, with bonuses and bonuses even four million euros would have been possible. Tousart also earns a lot with a basic salary of two million a year and high point bonuses in the House of Commons. If Hertha had had to pay for this package, the room for maneuver for newcomers would probably have been even smaller.
That’s why those responsible for sports director Benjamin Weber (43) and managing director Thomas Herrich (59) acted! Seized their first opportunity to get the expensive professionals off the payroll as soon as possible – almost at any cost.
The advantage: Due to the early departures of the two top earners, Hertha can advance planning for the second division. With the mini-transfer and the saved salary, newcomers are to be financed. Let’s see what quality the club gets for it…