Hertha updates: Lukebakio sale finalized, Braunöder emerges as target
With Dodi Lukebakio's sale to FC Sevilla officially confirmed, the search for reinforcements at Hertha BSC continues.
Dodi Lukebakio's transfer to La Liga outlet FC Sevilla was confirmed late yesterday evening. Most German footballing media sources are confirming earlier reports from Germany's Kicker Magazine claiming that Hertha BSC have received a base-transfer-fee of €9 million, plus add-ons, for their Belgian attacker. Some sources, notably Sky, are reporting that the initial transfer fee is even slightly higher.
In any event, the cash-strapped Berliners have at least secured a decent inlay that shall prove helpful in the final days of the transfer window. The search for reinforcements becomes increasingly more urgent for the capital city's Charlottenburg side, particularly after it was reported yesterday that German defensive midfielder Diego Demme has turned the club down following their poor start to the season.
Sky Germany reports that there has been some talk within the club about the possibility of acquiring young Austrian midfield talent Matthias Braunöder. The Austrian youth international has often been linked with a move to the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old is said to be interested in moving to the German capital, but has other suitors.
Hertha will certainly have to shell out at least €2 million for the player, who maintains a current estimated market worth of €3 million in the latest transfermarkt listings. Any deal will surely have to include performance bonuses and re-sale clauses, meaning that the Hertha front office will be under pressure to craft something complex under time constraints.