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VfL Bochum 1848 have said goodbye to a total of ten professionals after the last competitive game of the season. During a joint team breakfast after the relegation victory in Düsseldorf, Takuma Asano, Michael Esser, Philipp Förster, Andreas Luthe, Patrick Osterhage, Goncalo Paciencia, Moritz Römling, Keven Schlotterbeck, Danilo Soares and Kevin Stöger were thanked for their commitment in the blue and white shirt. Christopher Antwi-Adjei was not dismissed despite his contract expiring, and talks are still underway about a further future together anne Castroper.
Takuma Asano
When the Jaguar has extended its claws, then the VfL fans (not only them) know that it is time to celebrate: Takuma Asano also showed his signature move after scoring in Bochum. The DFB team also remembers this gesture with a shudder, after all, our number 11 as a national player of the “Samurai Blue” is now the personified terror of West German backlines. The Japanese has reached 21 scorer points, 14 goals and seven assists in 90 games for VfL; plus of course the penalty from the relegation in the best Ronaldo manner. Arigatō, Takuma! And good luck and success at your next stop.
Michael Esser
At some point, everyone just called him “Bruno”, no wonder given his stature and bear paws. Michael Esser has had one of the most extraordinary careers in football: from goalkeeping talent to amateur footballer, on the side – what else? – learned a trade, then returned to competitive sports. Weight lost, respect gained. His first spell at VfL lasted from 1999 to 2001, and from 2008 onwards he worked his way up through the VfL second team to the first team. Since 2021, he has been anne Castroper again, after his stints at Sturm Graz, Darmstadt 98, TSG Hoffenheim and Hannover 96. He made a total of 66 appearances in the Bundesliga, including in the 4-2 win over Bayern. 54 second division appearances, 36 games in Austria’s top league, even two games in the Europa League. “Bruno” will remain at VfL after his active career and will move to the Talentwerk as goalkeeping coach. So we see him again almost every day and that’s a good thing. Until then: Thank you very much for your commitment!
Philipp Förster
Philipp Förster moved from VfB Stuttgart to VfL in the summer of 2022. He played his part in staying in the league last season, opening the door to staying in the league with his 1-0 win in the decisive game against Bayer Leverkusen. In the second year, he was not able to play as everyone had imagined due to injuries. In 41 games for VfL, he was able to record twelve scorer points. Thank you Philipp and all the best for your future!
Andreas Luthe
In winter, Andi Luthe returned to his youth and training club. He played for VfL for 15 years, went through all the levels up to professional level, became West German champion and German runner-up with the A-Youth, and was allowed to make his professional debut at VfL, in the Bundesliga. Now a circle closes, and how! Andi ends where his career began. 91 games in the Bundesliga for Bochum, Augsburg and Union Berlin, 197 games in the 2nd Bundesliga for VfL and Kaiserslautern, UEFA Conference League – many games, many situations, even more emotions. Especially after the Bundesliga relegation, his second with VfL – this time with the better, the deserved end and the relegation, to which our snapper contributed in a phenomenal way. And as he told after the game in Düsseldorf, he will now end his career. Only very few succeed in doing this at the peak. Thank you Andi for the many years in blue and white!
Patrick Osterhage
Before Patrick Osterhage took up his post at Castroper Straße, only a few people knew him. In the meantime, the 24-year-old has made a name for himself in the Bundesliga. His performances are so good that he will play for SC Freiburg from next season. At VfL, Osterhage has become an U21 international (four games), further proof of his talent. His example should serve as a blueprint for other talents: moved to VfL on a free transfer, developed here and enabled VfL to make a high economic profit. Thank you very much for your commitment in 60 Bundesliga games with two goals and four assists. Good luck in Breisgau, Patti!
Gonçalo Paciência
The move came late within the summer transfer window, the Portuguese international came on loan from Spanish first division club Celta de Vigo. For VfL, he scored three goals and set up one in 20 games. Possibly the most important goal came in injury time, in the penalty shoot-out in Düsseldorf he was the first shooter and converted with nerves of steel. “Gonça” will return to Spain, the memories of Bochum will always be present in his mind, because this is where he became a father for the first time. Boa sorte, Gonaçalo!
Moritz Römling
“Mo” has already experienced a lot in his still young career: His debut as a second division professional (2019, under Robin Dutt), after he was prepared for such appearances at VfL from the youth through the U17 and U19 Bundesliga. He played four times for Bochum in the 2nd Bundesliga, in between he was loaned to Wuppertaler SV, RW Essen and Türkgücü Munich, gaining regional and third division experience in a total of 49 games. We are confident that we will soon see Moritz Römling again in professional football as a graduate of our talent factory. Good luck Moritz and good luck on your way!
Keven Schlotterbeck
After Keven Schlotterbeck had already played a major role in staying in the league last season, he wanted to repeat this success this season at and with VfL. He was the one who already issued a warning to Düsseldorf after the relegation first leg, which he was able to underpin in the second leg not only with one of the coolest penalties of all time. A man, a word, a real VfL player. Not the only one in a series of great Schlotterbeck moments: Keven was able to celebrate his first Bundesliga goals in Bochum, including important goals such as the equaliser at Hertha BSC, which put us in a position to stay in the league. This season, he caused a stir with his special “braces” (goal and own goal). The loan ends again, and many in Bochum are happy about a return to Castroper Straße – whenever. Thank you “Schlotti” for your commitment and good luck in the future!
Danilo Soares
Seven years ago, Danilo Soares decided to move to VfL. Our Brazilian has not played for any club for so long in his career. We celebrated him for his tackles and loved him for his tricks. Danilo Soares has become a real Bochum boy in recent years, and his contract extension at VfL in the summer of 2020 attracted a lot of attention. Danilo played 189 games for VfL, scored three goals, provided 14 assists, and promotion in 2021 was also the crowning glory for him. Danilo will change clubs and leagues, but will always keep a place in the hearts of VfL fans. Thank you for the many great moments and your commitment, dear Danilo. All the best to you!
Kevin Stöger
Kevin Stöger is already playing for VfL for the second time, after the period from 2016 to 2018 (37 games in the 2nd Bundesliga; five goals, eight assists) he returned to Castroper Straße in the summer of 2022. In 64 Bundesliga games for VfL, he was involved in 24 goals (twelve goals and twelve assists each) and was one of the top players in Europe this season with his passing statistics. He led the way on the pitch as vice-captain and has thrilled us with a number of dream goals in recent years, the free-kick against Hoffenheim is still very much present in the selection for the Goal of the Month for April. And if you thought you had already seen the best Kevin Stöger ever, then you were allowed to buckle up in the relegation second leg: Two penalties converted, two assists, more tiki and even more taka. For us, “Stögi” is definitely a candidate for the Austrian national team. Take care, Kevin, and thank you very much for your commitment!
