Newsletters
German club TSG Hoffenheim’s Turkish international Ozan Kabak is moving closer to German citizenship, local media reports, and is unlikely to leave despite attracting interest from Premier League sides.
The 25-year-old center back has spent most of his professional career in Germany since joining Stuttgart in January 2019 and is now pursuing naturalization, which would grant him European Union status and expand his options in the transfer market, according to the reports.
Kabak’s potential German citizenship has drawn attention from clubs across England, Spain and Italy, particularly as he could become available on a free transfer once his Hoffenheim contract expires. EU citizenship would remove registration restrictions and make him easier to sign for many European teams, Kicker suggested.
The defender previously played in the Premier League during loan spells with Liverpool and Norwich City and was once valued at €35 million ($41.28 million).
Despite the growing interest, Hoffenheim remains engaged in discussions to extend his contract. The club is expected to intensify negotiations after securing other key renewals, including defender Vladimir Coufal.
Kabak’s pursuit of German citizenship also signals his long-term ties to the country, where he rebuilt his career following a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in June 2024 that sidelined him for nearly a full season.
The defender has since regained form, scoring four Bundesliga goals this season and re-establishing himself as a regular starter.
While Kabak remains free to negotiate with foreign clubs, his ongoing naturalization process and Hoffenheim’s competitive ambitions, including possible qualification for European competitions, may influence his decision on whether to remain in Germany, the report added.
Born in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, Ozan Kabak has made 26 appearances and scored two goals for the Türkiye national team.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
