Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96 have both strengthened their squads ahead of the new 2. Bundesliga season with the signings of Lukas Eixler and Pascal Loretz respectively.
Fortuna add attacking depth
Fortuna Düsseldorf have completed the free transfer of 22-year-old attacker Lukas Eixler from third-tier side FSV Zwickau. The forward has agreed a contract running until 30 June 2028 and will wear the number 11 shirt.
Eixler arrives with experience from the lower divisions, having made 71 appearances and scored 16 goals for Zwickau over the past two campaigns. Sporting director Sami Arabi highlighted the player’s physical attributes as a key factor in the move. “Lukas is a player with great potential for development, particularly impressive with his physical presence and ambidexterity,” Arabi stated. “His qualities expand our attacking options and he fits our requirements perfectly.”
Hannover secure long-term keeper
Hannover 96 have addressed their goalkeeping position by signing 23-year-old Swiss international Pascal Loretz from FC Luzern. The keeper has put pen to paper on a four-year contract binding him to the Lower Saxony club until 30 June 2030.
Despite his age, Loretz brings substantial top-flight experience, having played more than 120 matches in the Swiss Super League during the last three seasons. He has also received call-ups to the Swiss national team, including for two World Cup qualifiers.
Sporting director Ralf Becker revealed that the club had tracked Loretz for some time. “We’ve known Pascal for a long time, but a transfer simply wasn’t feasible given our circumstances,” Becker explained. “He perfectly fits the profile we were looking for – both in terms of goalkeeping and his play with the ball.”
Becker added that Loretz remains in the extended squad for Switzerland and still has room to grow. “He’s been playing at a high level for quite some time and is in the extended squad of the Swiss national team. At the same time, we’re convinced that even at his current level, he still has potential for further personal development.”
Both players will now join their new teammates for pre-season preparations as their respective clubs aim to mount strong campaigns in Germany’s second tier.