Gersbeck switches to Hertha while Karlsruhe snap up Drewes
Two 2. Bundesliga sides confirmed new goalkeeper signings late yesterday. The move of Sandhausen's Patrick Drewes to the Karlsruher SC scratches another potential signing off the list of Bundesligists VfB Stuttgart, who remain in the market for a new net-minder.
After having passed his medical over the weekend, Marius Gersbeck was officially unveiled as a new Hertha BSC player late yesterday. The capital city's "alte Dame" were able to bring the Berlin-native back to his hometown via an economical buyback clause in the keeper's contract with the Karslruher SC. The 27-year-old's new contract with the Charlottenburger runs through 2026.
"We are delighted that Marius has decided to tackle the upcoming challenges with us," Hertha sporting director Benjamin Weber was quoted as saying in a club statement. "He is a Hertha player through and through, and has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the league at Karlsruhe."
"It's just an indescribable feeling to be allowed to play at home in the professional ranks," the player himself added, "Now I want to play my part in the team's success and help the team as much as possible."
Karlsruhe reacted to the loss of their regular #1 by singing Patrick Drewes of recently relegated 2. Bundesliga side SV Sandhausen. The 30-year-old had been linked with a move to top tier side VfB Stuttgart, who are looking for an upgrade at the position following less-than-stellar seasons between the sticks from Fabian Bredlow and Florian Müller.
Stuttgart remain in the market for a new keeper. Yesterday, it was revealed that the Swabians would come up empty handed in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund back-up Alexander Meyer. The 2022/23 Bundesliga runners-up apparently have no interest in letting their preferred #2 go. With Drewes signing with their BauWü neighbors, Stuttgart must focus their attention elsewhere.
"Karlsruhe actively made an effort with me," Drewes noted in a club statement accompanying his signing, "We had really good talks. I reflected upon my games against this club. These worked as arguments in favor of the KSC. I'm glad that the ink is now dry."
Drewes arrives in Karlsruhe on a free.