First new arrivals for 2025/26
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This article was published at 12:54 p.m. and the personal details of Sebastian Grönning were subsequently added.
Hertha BSC has apparently bagged its first two new signings for the coming season. As “Sky” reporter Florian Plettenberg reports, on the one hand, the capital club has perfected the signing of central defender Niklas Kolbe. Accordingly, the Old Lady is pulling the exit clause in the 28-year-old’s contract with SSV Ulm 1846, which is valid until 2026. This has not yet been confirmed by the clubs. The transfer of striker Sebastian Grönning from FC Ingolstadt is also just a matter of being announced.
Hertha will transfer a fixed 150,000 euros for Kolbe and provide him with a working paper until 2027. Kolbe is a central part of the Ulm defense, which despite being in 16th place is the second best defense in the 2nd league with only 22 goals conceded. The “Kicker”, which had previously reported on an oral agreement, most recently placed the professional’s clause at 300,000 euros.
In the summer of 2024, Kolbe moved from the Stuttgarter Kickers from the Regionalliga Südwest to the Sparrows, who had been promoted to the 2nd league, for 100,000 euros. 1. FC Nuremberg was also considered interested. Kolbe’s market value is estimated at 400,000 euros; it recently recorded two appreciations in a row.
Second newcomer for 2025/26: Hertha signs striker Grönning
In addition, according to the pay-TV broadcaster, top scorer Grönning from Ingolstadt is moving to the second division team. The 27-year-old, who was on site at the Alte Dame a few days ago for discussions and examinations, is signing a two-year contract on the Spree, like Kolbe.
Grönning’s contract with FCI expires next summer and the Dane will then be available for free. With a market value of 600,000 euros, he is one of the top five most valuable third division professionals with an ending working paper. An early transfer in the winter was also recently discussed, but Hertha is unlikely to be able to afford it financially. Grönning has scored 13 goals in the 3rd league so far this season.
