Report: Hoffenheim among those interested in FCH fullback Traoré
One of 1. FC Heidenheim's unsung heroes from the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign may be on the move. Right fullback Omar Haktab Traoré - snapped up by the Albogen club on a free last summer - put in a magnificent campaign for the German Conference League representatives last year. The 26-year-old German Togolese defender made 32 appearances for Heidenheim across all competitions, in the process registering five league assists and pumping his estimated market worth up to a career high €2.5 million.
Hoffenheim continue to possess an urgent need for natural position players all over their roster. At the right-back-slot, only 32-year-old Pavel Kaderabek has extensive experience as a fullback/wingback on that flank. TSG trainer Pellegrino Matarazzo often turned to Ihlas Bebou in the role last year, but Traoré's fellow Togolese heritage professional has been ruled out long-term with injury. Traoré would slot in perfectly, but German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg notes that there has been interest in the player for multiple clubs.
It makes sense The FCH man who so consistently impressed last year will have many potential suitors. Heidenheim themselves may nevertheless be reluctant to let him go. Frank Schmidt's team have already lost several key actors this offseason. Lead Striker Tim Kleindienst (Gladbach), assist-meister Jan-Niklas Beste (Benfica), versatile attacker Eren Dinkçi (Freiburg), and pivotal performer Kevin Sessa (Hertha BSC) have all already departed. Traoré remains under contract with the BaWü borderers through 2026.