Hertha BSC goalkeeper Tjark Ernst will join Feyenoord Rotterdam after the clubs agreed a €5 million transfer fee, according to Sky Germany and Sport BILD. The player has already withdrawn from training with the German side as he prepares to complete the move to the Netherlands.
Feyenoord, who finished as Eredivisie runners-up last season, will pay a fixed fee of €5 million to secure the keeper’s services. The Rotterdam outfit are preparing for Champions League football next term and have acted swiftly to secure their target ahead of the new campaign.
The transfer fee reflects Ernst’s standing as one of the emerging goalkeeping talents in German football. His departure marks the end of his time at Hertha, where he commanded a significant valuation on the transfer market.
Wolfsburg turn attention to Wellenreuther
VfL Wolfsburg had also expressed interest in signing Ernst but have been beaten to the signature by the Dutch club. The Bundesliga side are now reportedly monitoring Feyenoord captain Timon Wellenreuther, who could be sold by the Rotterdam outfit.
The potential sale of Wellenreuther would create an immediate vacancy in the Feyenoord goal, making the acquisition of Ernst essential for the Dutch team’s squad planning. Wolfsburg are understood to be weighing up an approach for the goalkeeper as they look to strengthen their own ranks.
Hertha line up Kastenmeier
With Ernst set to depart, Hertha have moved quickly to identify a successor. Fortuna Düsseldorf‘s Florian Kastenmeier sits at the top of their list, with the shot-stopper available on a free transfer following Düsseldorf’s relegation to the 3. Liga last season.
The deal would allow Hertha to bring in a replacement without paying a transfer fee, offsetting the income generated from Ernst’s sale to Feyenoord. Kastenmeier is now expected to make a decision on his future as the transfer window progresses.