- After a year, Kiels Simakala returns to Osnabrück
Football professional Ba-Muaka Simakala returns to Osnabrück after just one year with Bundesliga newcomers Holstein Kiel. The surprising transfer was announced by both clubs on Thursday. The terms of the new contract with the 27-year-old offensive player were not disclosed by Osnabrück.
"I'm happy to be back. It feels a bit like coming home when you see so many familiar faces and stand in the stadium again," said Simakala, who goes by the nickname Chance.
The former youth player and junior professional of Borussia Mönchengladbach had two strong years in Osnabrück between 2021 and 2023. Afterwards, numerous professional clubs showed interest in him. Simakala decided to move to Kiel and was recently loaned out to 1. FC Kaiserslautern for half a year.
"Due to the competition situation on his position, we cannot guarantee Chance the playing time he desires," said Kiel's sporting director Carsten Wehrmann.
Simakala had a prior connection with Kiel as he once played for Holstein's rival team, FC Kiel. Despite his loan to 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Simakala is now returning to his familiar surroundings in Osnabrück, having spent time there before joining Holstein Kiel.
