The Füchse Berlin completed their mandatory task in the handball Bundesliga with ease on Sunday, clearly defeating the HBL returnees GWD Minden 39:28 (20:13) away. Off the pitch, one topic in particular was in full focus: the goalkeeper question for the coming season.
It has been clear since last week that star keeper Dejan Milosavljev will be leaving the Foxes in the summer. The Serbian national goalkeeper is moving to Kielce, meaning Berlin is not only losing a top performer, but also one of the formative players of recent years. For a club with title ambitions, one thing is clear: an equivalent replacement has to be found – and as quickly as possible.
This is exactly where another prominent name comes into play. According to information from “Sport Bild,” Torbjörn Bergerud is said to be on the Berliners’ internal wish list.
The 31-year-old Norwegian national goalkeeper is currently still under contract with Wisla Plock, but not only brings international experience, but also a special connection. Füchse coach Nicolej Krickau knows Bergerud well from their time together at the Danish club GOG. A factor that could facilitate discussions about a possible change of club.
Krickau: “One of the names we are discussing”
Krickau openly confirmed before the game on “Dyn” that Milosavljev’s personality has long been pushed forward internally: “Dejan’s successor is no longer unclear, it has already been resolved. We can perhaps announce something before New Year’s Eve.” A statement that left room for speculation.
When asked about Bergerud, the Berlin coach was reserved, but by no means ruled out the personnel: “We have considered various solutions: Do we need something long-term, something for 2027/28, what does the market offer, what matches our ambitions? I had a great time with Bergerud at GOG, but he has a long contract at Plock. But yes, he is one of the names we are considering.”
It remains unclear whether Bergerud will actually be Milosavljev’s successor in the capital. From the past few years, those responsible at Füchse Berlin know without a doubt: without an outstanding goalkeeper, the really big goals cannot be achieved.