Würzburger Kickers have made five signings in four days as they continue to strengthen their side ahead of their 2. Bundesliga return.
On Tuesday they announced the arrivals of former Heidenheim left-back Arne Feick and Brazilian-born Dutchman Douglas, both of whom add valuable experience to one of the league’s youngest teams.
The club have also confirmed that Robert Herrmann has signed for the club on a permanent basis from Erzgebirge Aue after spending last season on loan at the Dallenberg, whilst Florian Flecker and Kenau Stadue, most recently with Union Berlin and Arminia Bielefeld respectively, came in over the weekend.
Feick, released from Heidenhem at the end of last season, has made 248 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, including 115 for Heidenheim, however he only played five times last season due to increased competition in the side.
Würzburg coach Michael Schiele believes Feick’s experience will be “a real asset to the team,” whilst CEO Daniel Sauer says he “wants to take responsibility and lead our young players.” Feick himself is simply “dying to play a strong season” having fallen out of favour at Heidenheim.
The capture of Douglas is an eye-catching one. The centre-back played 42 European matches with Dutch side Twente and has also played for Dynamo Moscow, Trabzonspor and Sporting CP before being banned for two years in 2018 after taking an illegal diuretic for weight loss.
“I never wanted to play unfairly in this beautiful sport and I took responsibility for my mistake,” he tells the club website, and he adds he is “really happy that I have the chance to prove myself again.”
The club confirmed the return of Herrmann on Monday, having been released by Aue last week. He played an important role in their promotion campaign last season, with three goals and nine assists in 31 3. Liga appearances. He has been given a two-year contract.
Staude left promoted Bielefeld earlier in the summer after 16 years with the clubs, and will be hoping for more than the five appearances he made for Uwe Neuhaus’s side last season. Flecker moves from Union having failed to make a Bundesliga appearance after his move from Hartberg the previous summer.
The quintet takes the number of signings made by the club to nine so far this summer.
Header image source: Würzburger Kickers.
2liga.net 