As Bochum face relegation from the Bundesliga on Friday night, the Revierklub is apparently well-positioned personnel wise ahead of the drop. Sport Bild reports that all current squad players (excluding loanees) have contracts valid for the German second division. The German tabloid typically publishes such information at this time of the season.
According to the paper, only Ukrainian central defender Ivan Ordets has an exit clause that will enable him to leave the club on a free. Bochum avoided relegation in a sensational fashion last season, coming back to beat Fortuna Düsseldorf on penalties after falling behind 0-3 in the first leg. Despite this, six players were officially let go after the playoff win.
Newly appointed Bochum sporting director Dirk Dufner is still expected to sell off several high value players such as defenders Tim Oermann and Dani di Wit. Midfielder Matus Bero (€3m estimated market value) and Ibrahima Sissoko (€6m estimated market value) are also considered candidates for sale while defender Bernardo is set to depart on a free transfer.
Some players that may be convinced to stick around include veteran 2. Bundesliga striker Philipp Hofmann, former Dortmund man Felix Passlack, journeyman Gerrit Holtmann and recently rehabilitated German keeper Timo Horn.
GGFN | Peter Weis
