VfL Bochum: Ibrahima Sissoko before departure – passport lack to Scotland?

Two VfL departures are looming

This article was first published on December 30, 2025 and has been updated with new information about the status of Ibrahima Sissoko (second paragraph) and the personality of Felix Passlack (last paragraph).

VfL Bochum will most likely soon sell midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko, who was considered a candidate for sale after the Bundesliga relegation in the summer and was until recently the most valuable player in the league. After a “L’Équipe” report about a million-dollar offer from FC Nantes, VfL coach Uwe Rösler initially confirmed ongoing negotiations about a transfer, but did not name the French first division club. “Ibrahima Sissoko is also an experienced player, but he might leave,” Rösler was quoted as saying by “WAZ”. “I don’t know whether that will happen, I’m not responsible for it. There are definitely negotiations,” added the Bochum coach.

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	I. Sissoko
	Defensive midfield
VfL Bochum 55% FC Nantes 2nd Bundesliga Ligue 1

Update January 11th, 1:34 p.m.: On Sunday, the newspaper and “Bild” reported that the negotiations were nearing completion and that only the final details remained to be clarified. The medical check also still needs to be completed. According to reports, the Bochum team will receive a total of just over 2 million euros – partly through agreed bonuses – i.e. more than the top summer sales of Tim Oermann (for 1.9 million euros to Bayer 04) and Moritz Broschinski (for 1.8 million euros to FC Basel). According to the tabloid, the Sissoko side is said to have made it clear to VfL that the professional no longer wanted to play for the club a year and a half before the end of his contract.

Sissoko came to Bochum from RC Strasbourg Alsace on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 with a market value of 6 million euros. He was able to keep this until he moved to the 2nd Bundesliga and was the most valuable player in the league until the updates in October. While the Bochum player’s sum went up to 3 million euros as a result of a shoulder joint sprain, other two-league professionals increased significantly. Sissoko is currently only ranked 28th (statistics).

Since his move, Sissoko has appeared in 41 games for Bochum and scored five goals and one assist. Due to the injury, there have only been six appearances in the league so far this season, but he is still the team’s third-best goalscorer with three goals. Sissoko would once again be in a relegation battle with the French first division club: Nantes is in 16th place in Ligue 1 with 14 points from 17 games.

VfL Bochum’s pass lack before departure – Hibernian FC interested

Update January 11th, 1:34 p.m.: As “WAZ” also reports, Felix Passlack, who will be free next summer, is looking for a new challenge. The Scottish first division club Hibernian FC is interested in signing the former Dortmund player and a transfer is imminent. The 27-year-old full-back is valued in the team, but is not a regular player. On the first 17 matchdays, Passlack was only part of the starting line-up four times and was substituted on nine times.

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	F. Passport varnish
	Right defender
VfL Bochum 75% Hibernian FC 2nd Bundesliga Scottish Premiership