VfL Bochum have secured the services of Estonia captain Karol Mets on a free transfer after the defender’s three-year spell at St. Pauli came to an end. The 33-year-old centre-back becomes the latest addition to Bochum’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.
Mets joins the North Rhine-Westphalia club following St. Pauli’s relegation to the 2. Bundesliga, which was confirmed after they finished bottom of the 2025/26 standings. The veteran defender made 33 appearances in Germany’s top flight last season having previously played a crucial role in the Hamburg club’s promotion from the second tier.
On the international stage, Mets remains an influential figure. He has accumulated more than 100 caps for Estonia, placing him among a select group of just 17 players to achieve that feat for the Baltic nation. He retains the captain’s armband for the national side, though he did not feature in their recent Baltic Cup victory.
Bochum strengthen backline
The acquisition of Mets represents shrewd business for Bochum, bringing in a player with both Bundesliga experience and international pedigree. His leadership qualities could prove valuable in the dressing room as the club looks to establish greater defensive stability.
The Estonian’s arrival forms part of a wider defensive reshuffle at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. Bochum have also recruited Turkish centre-back Yiğit Karademir from VfL Osnabrück, who earned promotion to the 2. Bundesliga last term.
These additions address the void left by the summer exits of experienced defenders Erhan Masovic and Kevin Vogt. The departures of the duo have necessitated reinforcements at the heart of the defence.
St. Pauli respond to relegation
For St. Pauli, the loss of Mets represents another blow following their immediate return to the second tier after a 13-year absence from the Bundesliga. The club has moved to fill the defensive gap by signing Marcus Mathisen from Magdeburg.
The Hamburg side have also seen Hauke Wahl depart for Wolfsburg, another club relegated from the top flight last season. These changes mark the beginning of a significant squad overhaul as they aim to mount a promotion challenge.