Max Kruse moves to VfL Wolfsburg: When the millions lure

transfer surprise
When the millions lure the talented gambler: Max Kruse moves to VfL Wolfsburg

by Tim Schulze
01/31/2022, 1:30 p.m

In a way, Max Kruse was always a straight-forward professional who never made a secret of his intentions. The 33-year-old has never covered up the fact that football professionals are only temporary employees – some passionate fans call it mercenary work – with too much PR effort. This kind of straightforwardness has led Kruse through Werder Bremen, FC St. Pauli, SC Freiburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfL Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen, Fenerbahce Istanbul, 1. FC Berlin and now back to VfL Wolfsburg. If the offer was financially attractive and the gut feeling was right, Kruse moved on to the next station.

This time, too, Kruse made it clear to the bewildered Union supporters why he was changing: “I thank you all for your trust in me – and now I ask you for your understanding of my decision to accept an offer that is long-term and highly remunerated.” , the attacker was quoted as saying. “It’s about a club where I still have a chapter open that I can now finish writing. No decision is easy and I know what’s in store for me now – but it’s my decision.”

Career break in Wolfsburg

“Highly endowed” is of course the decisive factor for Kruse’s motivation. The fact that he also talks about having “a chapter open” at the club from the tidy Autostadt alludes to his time at VfL six years ago, when his career suffered a significant setback. Kruse’s career in the national team ended that year, also because national coach Löw was rather skeptical about the highly talented man’s lifestyle. He was also the victim of a secretly filmed sex tape and lost 75,000 euros in cash in a taxi in Berlin at night. The wild life outside the field with nightly poker rounds had an impact on his athletic performance. After a year it was over with the wolves and Kruse was considered a worn-out Hallodri. Talented yes, but very unreliable. The fact that he now wants to make things right is still PR. His heart shouldn’t be so attached to Wolfsburg.

For Wolfsburg, who are threatened with relegation, it makes sense after five and a half years to bring the attacker back. The 33-year-old plays a brilliant hanging point and was the top scorer at Union with five goals and five assists. Kruse can give any offensive a creative boost. That is exactly what managing director Jörg Schmadtke and sports director Marcel Schäfer are looking for. And fast.

Kruse’s departure can hurt Union

For this, Kruse signs a contract until 2023 and costs around five million euros. In addition, center forward Jonas Wind comes from FC Copenhagen. The two should take care of the fresh cell cure in the blunt offensive. In return, Mehmedi, Guilavogui, Ginczek and center forward Weghorst were given up.

Read here how Kohfeldt fights for his career

At the same time, it is a sign of trust as well as the last chance for coach Florian Kohfeldt, who knows Kruse from their time together at Werder Bremen. With him as boss on the lawn, Kohfeldt developed a reputation as a talented young coach, which was celebrated by everyone. Now Kruse should help lead VfL back into the safe middle of the table.

The departure poses a risk for Union Berlin. The Berliners collect a transfer fee of around five million euros, which makes financial sense given the contract that expires in summer 2022. But in terms of sport, the departure of the best player can have negative consequences. The Berliners are in fourth place in the table and have the opportunity to win the DFB Cup. It won’t be any easier without Kruse.

That’s why Union President Dirk Zingler insisted on sending the words after the renegade that he “deliberately decided against the chance to make history with Union this season”. Apparently, this little taunt in view of the Berlin success story had to get out. But of course Zingler also thanked Kruse for his successful year and a half with the Köpenickers.

Sources: DPA, “foosball”, “Southgerman newspaper”