Kicker followed up some of its recent reporting on the shady association of controversial agent Roger Wittmann with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim with a fresh exposé. Though there are many of examples of how Wittmann’s relationship with club patron Dietmar Hopp led to unscrupulous deals, the particular case of current Premier League striker Georginio Rutter provides one example of how Hopp helped Wittmann enrich himself and his representation firm.
Kicker reveals Rutter’s purchase from Stade Rennes in January 2020 was specifically aimed at handing Wittmann a handsome profit. Internal research by the German magazine divulges that Hopp himself requested additional clauses be built into the contract. The clauses enabled Wittmann and his agency to reap a 442 percent commission in an industry in which 10 to 15 percent commission is the norm.
In essence, Hopp leveraged the club’s interest against Wittmann’s. While it remains unclear how much Wittmann actually profited from the clauses, Hoffenheim could have dealt out approximately €3.8m to Wittmann for a player they paid €750,000-€850,000 to obtain.
Rutter’s sale to Leeds United for a reported €40.5m in January 2023 remains suspicious as it came totally without warning. The striker only maintained an estimated market value of €16m at the time. Wittmann is generally believed to have pushed for the transfer.
Kicker confirmed that Wittmann received at least €1.5m in commission for the Rutter’s sale to Leeds via a special employee appointed by the player. Hoffenheim themselves had no official representative involves in the deal, something that arouses more suspicion.
GGFN | Peter Weis
