GC Zurich leaves after a season
© Imago
After eleven years, Benno Schmitz (30) returns to his beginnings. The right -back moves to FC Bayern after just one season at the Grasshopper Club Zurich, where he should act as a leader at the amateurs. Schmitz signed a contract with the Munich team until June 30, 2027.
“We knew that Benno would like to move back to his home for family reasons. He was born here, grew up at FC Bayern and is now returning to us with a lot of experience in professional football. After Timo Kern’s career end, we have filled up the position of the routine in the squad very well again during the winter break and the serious injuries to Steve Breitkreuz,” explained young headers.
Schmitz went through the young teams of FC Bayern from 2001 to 2014 and even stood in the Bundesliga squad before he started his first professional station at Red Bull Salzburg. Last summer, Schmitz landed at the Grasshopper Club Zurich via RB Leipzig and the 1. FC Köln, for which he contributed seven templates in 30 games.
“A circle closes for me. I came to Bayern at the age of seven and spent my entire youth here. I am really looking forward to my new task. This time in the changed role as an experienced player who is supposed to help the boys in their football and personal development,” said Schmitz. The sporting director Markus Weinzierl added: “Already in the first talks we noticed how much Benno burns for the task. That impressed us. We are convinced that he is a very important factor for our U23 – on and off the square – and we are very much looking forward to the future together with him.”