Transfer losses of 21 million euros and a squad that is too big

Wolfsburg-Wolfsburgh. And the transfer window is (almost) closed. The famous and infamous deadline day has once again brought a lot of movement to the Bundesliga. VfL Wolfsburg should actually be in the thick of things, rather than just there. After the departure of Frenchman Maxence Lacroix, who moved to English Premier League club Crystal Palace for a transfer fee of 18 million euros plus three million euros in bonuses and signed a five-year contract, Wolfsburg should have been active on the market again. Coach Ralph Hasenhüttl had previously said when asked about a Lacroix replacement: “If you want to play a three-man defense, you definitely need another one.”

After rumors about Kevin Danso (Lens) and Danilho Doekhi (Union), Wolfsburg found what they were looking for at Peter Christiansen’s former club FC Copenhagen shortly before the deadline. Denis Vavro is to fill the gap; the 28-year-old Slovakian joined the Danish capital club in 2019, but has since played for SD Huesca in Spain and for Lazio Rome. The 1.89-meter-tall man has 24 international matches, was at the European Championships in Germany this year and has Champions League experience. The loan deal until the end of the season was confirmed by FC Copenhagen in the early evening.

With him, eight new professionals are now wearing green and white, and the Lower Saxony team had to spend almost 44 million euros on them. 15 professionals left, but only brought in just under 23 million euros. This means that there is a considerable transfer deficit of 21 million euros in the balance sheet. AZ/WAZ draws a conclusion and explains whether managing director Peter Christiansen and sports director Sebastian Schindzielorz have done a good or rather poor job.

The Nivea Greek

With Konstantinos Koulierakis, Wolfsburg have landed a highly talented central defender who seems to have a lot of promise. The 20-year-old came from PAOK Saloniki for just under 12 million euros and was considered one of the greatest defensive talents in his home country. The six-time national player is an advertising partner of Beiersdorf and their skin care products Nivea. It is noteworthy that VfL was able to beat out rival Eintracht Frankfurt in the bid for Koulierakis. The young man could be a real hit.

The mentality monster

With Salih Öczan, VfL has loaned a player with a strong mentality from Dortmund who can give the brave Wolfsburg team another boost. The Turkish international is a fighting sweeper who can also do a lot with the ball. “Salih has a lot of self-confidence and will help us immediately,” explained coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, who has already sent the sweeper along on the trip to next opponent Holstein Kiel.

The rocket

Mohammed Amoura cost a lot of money, namely 17 million euros. But the little Algerian proved in his short preparation that he can be a “difference maker” (Hasenhüttl). The 24-year-old is lightning fast and pretty cool in front of the goal. He could finally become the goal machine that was so hoped for. But to do that he has to get fit again after his knee injury.

The man with the mask

Kamil Grabara was signed in the winter, but the keeper, who cost 13 million euros, only started work in the summer. The Pole is not only an eye-catcher because of his face mask, but he also has a rather idiosyncratic character. The 25-year-old likes to answer questions with counter-questions; he is averse to platitudes. In terms of sport, his long throws and his ball control were noticeable, and he delighted the audience with some great saves against Bayern. Finally, someone in Wolfsburg’s goal who is exciting.

What else was

The 18-year-old youngster Bence Dárdai could become a factor this season thanks to his presence and class, but the 17-year-old French central defender Mathys Angély still needs a lot of time. Marius Müller, Schalke 04’s number two keeper, on the other hand, is an experienced man who can easily replace the number one Kamil Grabara should the Pole get injured.

Goodbye hurts

Maxence Lacroix could not be kept. The Frenchman wanted to leave, but VfL had to let him go because his contract would have expired next summer and he would then have been free. In sporting terms, it was a huge loss, but there was no financial alternative because Crystal Palace paid 20 million euros.

He didn’t love football

Koen Casteels moved to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia on a free transfer. In sporting terms, this was a disaster for a Belgian national goalkeeper who, at 32, is at the best age for a goalkeeper. It must also be assumed that it was economic reasons that prompted him to make the move. He clearly did not love football.

Too bad, dribbling artist

When he came to VfL last year, great things were expected from the Czech. But the dribbling artist Vaclaf Cerny was never able to live up to expectations. Wolfsburg received 1.5 million euros for the one-year loan deal from Glasgow Rangers.

The man who had no standing

Nonne also from Mainz. Moritz Jenz is the league’s commuter pro. After just one year, VfL is now loaned to its rivals because he had no chance under Ralph Hasenhüttl as he lacked speed. The talented defender is now trying his luck with the Rhineland-Palatinate.

The Frenchman without luck

VfL’s scouting department was actually known for having a good nose. However, Nicolas Cozza’s nostrils were apparently blocked because the left-footer was never able to prove that he was of high league quality. He has now been loaned back to Nice because, according to Hasenhüttl, he had no chance of fighting for a place in Wolfsburg’s squad.

Eternal talent without class proof

It is strange that Luca Waldschmidt was considered a top talent for years. In 2021, VfL paid 12 million euros to Benfica Lisbon to acquire the left-footer and gave him a well-paid contract. The technician was never able to establish himself. Now he has fallen to the second division in Cologne, with a transfer fee of zero. A huge loss-making deal, both in sporting and financial terms.

Great talent is to shed horns

Dzenan Pejcinovic’s loan to Fortuna Düsseldorf was not welcomed with joy by many fans. The 19-year-old striker is considered the greatest attacking talent in Germany.

But VfL’s plan is for the young player to test his skills in Düsseldorf and then return as a seasoned professional.

Conclusion: The VfL bosses were unable to persuade Lacroix to stay, even though he paid a lot of money for it. Koulierakis and Grabara are exciting, Özcan is a character and Amoura may be the much sought-after difference maker. Vavro may look like a stopgap solution, but his experience can help. Christiansen and Schindzielorz have obviously done a good job. But with 31 players, Wolfsburg have an expensive luxury squad, considering they are only competing in two competitions.

AZ/WAZ