Hofmann signs $10.9 m deal with Leverkusen

 

BERLIN – Germany midfielder and winger Jonas Hofmann is making a shock exit from Borussia Mönchengladbach to join Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, Kicker sports magazine has reported.

Kicker said late Tuesday that Hofmann is leaving via a triggered release clause which is said to be in the range of €10 million ($10.9 million). There was no immediate confirmation from the clubs on Wednesday.

Hofmann, 30, has been at Gladbach since 2016 and renewed his contract until 2025 last year. The 21-times capped player was supposed to be a key player in a new-look team under new coach Gerardo Seoane.

It would be another big blow for Gladbach who have already lost captain Lars Stindl (Karlsruhe), forward Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan) and defender Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund) in a big shake-up following a disappointing 10th place finish which made them miss a berth in Europe the third straight year.

Kicker said that Gladbach are eyeing Franck Honorat from French side Stade Brest as a possible replacement for Hofmann.

For Leverkusen and their coach Xabi Alonso it would by contrast by a big coup. Leverkusen finished sixth after a slow start and will play in the Europa League, giving Hofmann a chance to play international club football again.