Moussa Niakhaté was Hoffenheim’s primary defensive target

Hoffenheim have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far with the signings of Grischa Prömel and Finn Ole Becker on free transfers. It’s known that sporting director Alexander Rosen wants to strengthen their defence and according to Kicker, TSG focused on signing Moussa Niakhaté and was their number one option, but the Frenchman joined newly-promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

That prompted the Bundesliga to turn their attention towards Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku (27). Although this deal was on the home straight, Djiku’s move to Hoffenheim broke down after a German intermediary agency attempted to take a percentage of the commission.

Hoffenheim are since back in the market for Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards (23). The USA international has had two loan spells at the Sinsheim club, playing 34 games across all competitions, becoming a prominent figure in Sebastian Hoeneß’ Bundesliga squad last season. But the signing of Richards also threatens to fail – the central-defender has three-years remaining on his Bayern Munich deal and also has interest from the Premier League, who would be able to offer a far better financial package than TSG can.

GGFN

 

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