Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Süle to leave TSG

“Of course it is a big loss to have to lose two players of their stature,” admitted TSG’s director of football, Alexander Rosen. “But on the other hand it highlights the work we’ve been putting in here at Hoffenheim,” he emphasised, reflecting on “the development that both players have undergone with us.” Both Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Süle have matured at TSG not only with their impressive performances in the Bundesliga but also as international players. Niklas Süle was indeed the first player to play for the Germany national team after coming through the TSG youth academy.

“I’ve always stressed that there will be more and more players who move on to bigger clubs from TSG,” said Rosen. It is of course upsetting for everyone else connected with the club such as the fans, but “it is also important for the existence of a club of our size,” added TSG’s chief executive Dr. Peter Gӧrlich. Money from transfers are the foundation for “our provision of coaching and education at the highest level as well as our ability to offer football in one of the best leagues in the world for nearly ten years.”

Julian Nagelsmann is in agreement. “Obviously, I would have preferred to work with Sebastian and Niklas for longer but transfers are part and parcel of football.” The head coach remains “optimistic that we’ll be able to continue to develop a TSG side full of youngsters, ambitious new signings and current players.”

“We’re both grateful for the opportunities we were given here and the faith that the supporters have shown over the past few years,” explained Sebastian Rudy. “Moving on isn’t going to be easy,” added Süle, “but joining one of the best sides in the world is a huge opportunity. Neither of us will start thinking about Bayern until the completion of the season, though. Our main goal is to ensure that we have a successful second half of the season here in Sinsheim. We will give our all for the club over the coming months.”

Niklas Süle has made 90 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim to date, scoring six goals in the process. He’s played seven times in the DFB Cup and has netted once. The defender has featured once for the Germany senior team. Rudy has played 12 times for Joachim Löw’s men. He has played 192 times in the top flight, with 177 of those appearances coming for TSG (9 goals). The midfielder has featured in 15 DFB Cup games for Hoffenheim (1 goal).