- Reese Remains as Part of Hertha's Defensive Leadership; Kempf Headed to Italy
Striker Fabian Reese continues to stay with the second-division team Hertha BSC for now. The injured 26-year-old put an end to all transfer talks himself. He shared on Instagram that he's listening to his heart more than ever. The affection, affectionate feelings, and emotions he's experienced have surpassed all his expectations. "I don't want to leave here because we're not done yet. Today is a fantastic day," said the beloved figure among the fans.
On the flip side, defender Marc Oliver Kempf is heading to Italy. The 29-year-old captain of the Berliners is joining Serie A club Como 1907 and will be coached by Spanish World and European champion Cesc Fàbregas, as Hertha announced. The specifics of the transfer remain undisclosed. According to sources, the transfer fee is roughly 2.5 million euros. Consequently, Hertha has lost its second significant player in a short span, following striker Haris Tabakovic's move to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last Friday.
Kempf has been playing for Hertha since early 2022. After some challenging periods, he became an undisputed starter under new coach Cristian Fiel and a crucial component in the new system. Just last week, he expressed his delight with the situation in Berlin at a press conference. However, following a few days of contemplation, Kempf is now chasing his dream of playing abroad, as he announced on Twitter.
Hertha eying the return of John Anthony Brooks
Financially, the transfer may be beneficial for both Hertha and the defender. Hertha will save his salary. However, Kempf will be tough to replace immediately. Marton Dardai, as an alternative in the squad, does not possess the same qualities that are vital for Fiel's preferred playing style.
Based on media reports, Hertha is working on bringing back John Anthony Brooks. The native Berliner played for the first team from 2011 to 2017 before moving to VfL Wolfsburg and Benfica Lisbon. Last year, he signed a contract with TSG Hoffenheim, but it was not renewed during the summer.
Despite Marc Oliver Kempf's decision to transfer to Como 1907 in Italy, there have been ongoing discussions about the return of John Anthony Brooks to Hertha BSC. Despite Kempf's departure, Hertha will notably miss his unique qualities as a defender, given the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for him.
