Hürzeler confirms "positive talks" with Hummels, speaks on Undav transfer

Newly appointed Brighton & Hove Albion head-coach Fabian Hürzeler - speaking to Sky Sports news - has confirmed that he has been in contact with German footballing legend Mats Hummels over the possibility of the 35-year-old continuing his playing career on the Isle. Hürzeler, an FC Bayern München academy man in his own right, spoke on the manner in which their paths have crossed thanks to their association with the German record champions. 

"I've been in contact with the Hummels family for a long time, especially since my time at Bayern," Hürzeler told Sky, "The basis for working together was always there when I had dealings with the Hummels. We hold each other in high esteem and have had good talks." 

Hürzeler did take care to emphasize that he wouldn't consider himself "close friends" with the 2014 German World Champion. Moreover, it remains unclear as to whether Hummels will actually joint Seagulls. As he ponders moving abroad for the first time in his career, Hummels is apparently taking his time to weigh all options. Multiple clubs in multiple countries are interested in taking him on.

"At the end of the day, it's the player himself who must decide if he can identify and commit 100 percent to the club," Hürzeler said, "I can say that the conditions are right.The talks were very positive, both on a professional and personal level. Ultimately, it's about what the player wants." 

With Deniz Undav's permanent transfer to VfB Stuttgart finally officially confirmed yesterday, Hürzeler also issued his first comments on the matter of the newly minted German international's desire to leave England and settle in with the club that helped elevate him to stardom. Hürzeler admitted that he would liked to retain the 28-year-old, but that this was ultimately rendered impossible by the player's own wishes.

"It's important to understand his personal reasoning," Hürzeler said, "Is he even capable of giving 100 percent if he doesn't feel comfortable in his private life? That was exactly the case with Dennis Undav. I knew from the start that he would like to stay in Stuttgart. In the final analysis, it was crucial to take his private wishes into account and we cleared the way for him to head to Stuttgart."