AUDIO: Hertha captain Fabian Reese moves to league rivals VfL Wolfsburg (1 min)
“Wolves” are poaching in the capital
As of: June 17, 2026 5:56 p.m
VfL Wolfsburg is continuing to reposition itself after being relegated from the Bundesliga for the first time. Following the commitment of coach Tobias Strobl, the first high-profile newcomer, Fabian Reese, has now been signed. The Kiel native comes to the “Wölfen” from Hertha BSC.
As Wolfsburg announced on Wednesday, the 28-year-old offensive player will receive a contract with VfL until June 30, 2030. “Fabian has been one of the strongest players in the 2nd Bundesliga in recent years. He is an absolute top performer and not only brings strong offensive qualities, but also an exceptional level of commitment, leadership and mentality,” said Wolfsburg’s sports director Primin Schwegler.
“I feel great appreciation for the way VfL fought for me.”
Fabian Reese
For the Berliners, Reese was the captain and identification figure. But after missing promotion again in the previous season, the left winger has now decided on a change of air despite his contract with the capital club running until 2030. The move to the car club is likely to be associated with a hefty salary increase for the attacker.
And Hertha also probably benefits from the early departure of their team captain. According to reports, the transfer fee for the former junior national player will be around eight million euros.
Reese: “The right step for me”
“I feel great appreciation for the way VfL fought for me. The highly professional environment, but also the values that are represented here by the club and the people around it, were crucial for me. I had the feeling from the start that this was the right step for me,” said Reese.
He moved from Holstein Kiel to the Berliners in 2023. The offensive man had previously played for SpVgg Greuther Fürth, FC Schalke 04 and Karlsruher SC. So far he has played 245 second division games, in which he scored 48 goals, and 13 Bundesliga games.
HSV striker Glatzel is also expected to come
Before Reese, VfL had completed the signings of returnees Elvis Rexhbecaj (FC Augsburg) and Fraser Hornby (SV Darmstadt 98). According to consistent media reports, the Lower Saxony team also agrees with attacker Robert Glatzel from Hamburger SV. In the case of the veteran, no agreement has yet been reached on the transfer fee, it is said.
The “Wolves” are facing a major upheaval after relegation. Various players such as Patrick Wimmer (moving to TSG Hoffenheim) have already turned their backs on the factory club – others will probably follow until the transfer window closes.
