Reports: Heidenheim close in on two acquisitions
Separate sources report that newly promoted 1. FC Heidenheim are close to finalizing two new signings.
Newly promoted Bundesligists 1. FC Heidenheim should have a pair of transactions to confirm in the coming days. Right fullback Omar Haktab Traoré of VfL Osnabrück is - according to the local Neue Osnabrücke Zeitung - close to finalizing a move to the top-flight on a free transfer. The 25-year-old German-Togolese defender was an important part of Osnabrück's recent promotion campaign in the 3. Liga, making 36 league appearances in which he scored three goals and registered six assists.
Traoré was unable to agree to terms with the Lower Saxon side on a contract extension. Part of the reason for this concerned the interest from other clubs. The Osnabrück native - valued at €400,000 in the latest transfermarkt listings - would obviously constitute a solid pick-up for the FCH ahead of their first campaign in the top division. There is also news from Germany's preeminent footballing publication that the BaWü border club is prepared to flash a little cash in the interest of tying down one of their regulars.
VfL Wolfsburg defender Tim Siersleben became one of head-coach Frank Schmidt's regulars during last year's promotion campaign. Heidenheim obviously wished to retain the services of one of their starting central defenders for the coming season. For a time there was talk of a renewed loan arrangement. Germany's Kicker Magazine now reports that the promoted club have opted to simply purchase the 23-year-old outright. Per Kicker, Siersleben will join Heidenheim permanently for around €500,000.