Bitter news for HSV and FC St. Pauli: The Hamburg clubs are each losing a talent to Borussia Dortmund – without a transfer fee.
Felix Paschke (HSV) and Niklas Jessen (St. Pauli) are still big competitors on Hamburg’s football pitches. From summer onwards, the two young professionals will be wearing black and yellow together: Borussia Dortmund has signed them, as the top Bundesliga club announced on Thursday.
Felix Paschke has been with the HSV youth team since 2016. He has been part of the second team since 2022 and has been an integral part of the Regionalliga team this season: The 20-year-old has played all the games and has already prepared four goals. In December 2021, Paschke was once in Tim Walter’s HSV professional squad and then traveled to the training camp. The midfielder seriously injured his hip there and was only able to play a game again in April 2023.
Two Hamburg talents are moving to Borussia Dortmund long-term
Niklas Jessen has been part of the extended circle of St. Pauli professionals since 2022. Like Felix Paschke, the 20-year-old is at home in central midfield. He has been in the starting line-up for the St. Pauli U23 in all regional league games so far. Niklas Jessen was also already in the professional squad, but also did not play.
In Dortmund, both youngsters are initially scheduled for the second team, which plays in the third division. Their contracts expire in the summer of 2024, so BVB was able to sign on for a free transfer. “We will have one or two departures in his position in the coming season. Felix should close this gap,” said Ingo Preuß, sporting director of the U23, about Felix Paschke.
“With his pace and defensive qualities, we see him as a right-back. He has already shown that he can play the position in the U19 national team,” said Preuß about Niklas Jessen. Both he and Felix Paschke have signed a three-year contract.