Max Kruse on negotiations with Bundesliga clubs: “Some were afraid”

Among most valuable clubless

After leaving VfL Wolfsburg, Max Kruse apparently negotiated with some clubs about a Bundesliga comeback. “Of course I spoke to clubs. It wasn’t always the sporting reason for a cancellation,” said the 34-year-old on Sunday in “Sport1-Doppelpass”. He didn’t name names. Obstacles to a change were mostly his presence on social media or the possible reactions within the clubs concerned. “Some were afraid to do it.”

The attacker was sorted out in Wolfsburg in September for disciplinary reasons. Two months later, both sides agreed to terminate the contract, since then Kruse has been without a club and is one of the most valuable professionals in this regard with a market value of 1.5 million euros.

The 14-time national player would like to return to the Bundesliga after stints at VfL, 1. FC Union Berlin, Werder Bremen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and SC Freiburg. “If I ever had the chance to play in the Bundesliga again, I would do it. Because that was always my dream,” said Kruse. “Purely in terms of my footballing ability”, he would still dare to do that even after several months without team training.

Max Kruse: Change abroad likely – MLS “interesting”

A move abroad, especially to Major League Soccer in the USA and Canada, is more likely. That was “interesting,” said Kruse. “The transfer period is open until March. Let’s see what else happens and if something else happens.” According to the regulations, players without a club are no longer allowed to switch to German professional clubs after the end of the winter transfer phase – this rule does not exist in most other major European leagues.

In addition, in countries like Switzerland (15th), Turkey (postponed to 18th after the earthquake disaster) or Poland (28th), the transfer windows are still open. In January, the TM rumor mill linked Kruse to Feyenoord Rotterdam, Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami CF, among others. Shortly before the end of the transfer, a move to Hamburger SV was also discussed.

Max Kruse’s Wolfsburg change “was shit” – Union in the Champions League

The striker later described his transfer from Union Berlin to VfL Wolfsburg in January 2022 as a mistake. “I was 33 last year. I couldn’t refuse this offer,” Kruse said. “A year later, it’s easy to say: the move sucked. Of course, that didn’t end well for me.”

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At Union, Kruse no longer expects a slump this season. “I don’t know if it’s enough for a title in the end. But I’m sure it will be at least the Champions League,” he said. After the 2-1 win at RB Leipzig, the Berliners are still second in the table and are the first pursuers of German champions FC Bayern Munich.

From his own experience, Kruse is certain: “Union will not be disturbed. That is also Union’s strength: No player is above the club. You don’t have a star who earns five million euros. Six, seven, eight eat. That simply doesn’t exist in other clubs.” With the Berliners, it’s like “as if you’re going to a district league game. The mood is like this.”

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