Baumann extends contract at Hoffenheim until 2026
Goalkeeper and captain Oliver Baumann has extended his contract with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim ahead of schedule until June 30, 2026. "I've matured into a German international at Hoffenheim and have already played here internationally in the Europa League and Champions League, among others. At TSG, I find the best conditions to continue my sporting development," said the 33-year-old in a statement from the Bundesliga club on Thursday.
Baumann has been a substitute goalkeeper in the German squad for some time, but has yet to play an international match. "Basically, gifts are never given out at this level," said Matarazzo at a press conference on Baumann's situation in the national team. "For me, he is an outstanding goalkeeper in the Bundesliga. I'm very happy and grateful to have him here. Every day with Olli is simply fun."
Baumann came to the Kraichgau from SC Freiburg in 2014. With 342 competitive matches to date, he is Hoffenheim's record player. And with a total of 437 Bundesliga appearances, he is in third place among active professionals: only Manuel Neuer (480 games) and Thomas Müller (451) from FC Bayern Munich have more appearances to their name.
"The club has grown very close to my heart over the past few years, I feel enormously valued here, not only by the people in charge but also by the fans," Baumann continued. For managing director Alexander Rosen, the keeper is "not only a figure of identification and record player for our club, but also a role model and model professional who has been and continues to be an absolute guarantee of success for TSG with his consistently strong performances".
Baumann's contract extension at Hoffenheim might open up opportunities for potential transfers of other goalkeepers, as the club now has a long-term solution in net. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's success in the Bundesliga this season could greatly benefit from Baumann's consistent performances and leadership, echoing his role as both a team leader and a German international.
Source: www.dpa.com
