The first version of this article first appeared on Sunday at 6:58 p.m. and was updated after Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s departure.
Ex-captain Dedryck Boyata is a candidate for a timely departure at Hertha BSC. “It’s not that we have the feeling that he’s currently helping us,” said managing director Fredi Bobic in the football talk “Doppelpass” on the TV channel “Sport1” about the Belgian international. The 31-year-old, who was still the captain of the Berliners until a few weeks ago, was not in the squad in the derby at Union Berlin (1: 3) on Saturday – for sporting reasons, as coaches Sandro Schwarz and Bobic emphasized.
When asked if this was a sign that Hertha wanted to sell Boyata, Bobic said: “Yes. Or he’s training so well that we can’t get past him.” The Berliners want to downsize their squad before the transfer deadline at the end of August, primarily for financial reasons, but also for sporting reasons. It’s also about the energy you want in the team, said Bobic. Boyata himself wants to travel to the World Cup with Belgium and therefore needs operational time.
Hertha takes ex-Mainzer Boëtius and gives up Ekkelenkamp
As “Picture” reported, with the former Mainzer Jean-Paul Boëtius, a new one is to come. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed on a free transfer with the capital club, only the medical check is missing up to a signature. Boëtius and Coach Schwarz know each other from the times they shared with the “zero fives”. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp (22) is about to leave Royal Antwerp. A fee of EUR 5 million is under discussion (on the most recent development).
Update 8:01 p.m.: Hertha announced Ekkelenkamp’s farewell to Antwerp on Sunday evening. Both clubs agreed on the change on Friday. “With this transfer we have found a good solution for all sides. We would like to thank Jurgen for his commitment last season and wish him all the best for his sporting and personal future,” said Bobic. Ekkelenkamp has signed with his new club for four years. There had previously been an agreement with Club Brugge, but the professional decided to change after a sleepless night.
Löwen to Ejuke: All Hertha transfers since Windhorst joined
From expensive stars to free transfer veterans & perspective players …
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