- Upcoming move: Hertha BSC's Defense Director Kempf heading to Italy.
Footballer Marc Oliver Kempf, formerly of Hertha BSC's second division, heads to Italy. The 29-year-old, a regular defender and captain for the Berlin team, switches to Serie A side Como 1907. Spanish football champion and European titlist Cesc Fàbregas will lead the team, as Hertha BSC announced. The specifics of the transfer deal remain undisclosed. According to reports, the transfer sum is rumored to be approximately 2.5 million euros. This means Hertha has said goodbye to another crucial player within a short span: Last week, top goalscorer Haris Tabakovic moved to Bundesliga's Hoffenheim.
Kempf has been playing for Hertha since the beginning of 2022. Following some challenging periods, he's earned a spot as an undisputed starter under new coach Cristian Fiel and has become a cornerstone in the new playing strategy. As recently as last week, during a press conference, Kempf was content with his stay in Berlin. However, after a few days of contemplation, Kempf is now chasing his dream of playing overseas, as he stated on Twitter.
Potential return of Brooks
From a financial standpoint, the transfer might work for both Hertha and Kempf. Hertha will no longer pay his salary. However, Kempf may be hard to replace immediately. Marton Dardai, a potential substitute, lacks the specific skills Fiel prefers.
Reports suggest that Hertha is trying to bring back John Anthony Brooks. A native Berliner, Brooks played for the first team from 2011 to 2017 before joining VfL Wolfsburg and Benfica Lisbon. In 2023, he signed with TSG Hoffenheim, but the contract was not renewed in the summer.
The decision to leave Hertha BSC for Como 1907 was made by Marc Oliver Kempf, who was represented by The Commission during the negotiation process. With Kempf's departure, The Commission will now focus on finding a suitable replacement for the German defender within Hertha's budget.
