Hertha BSC have secured the services of Croatia international Josip Brekalo until 2028 after triggering an early contract extension. The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a revised deal that adds an extra year to his previous terms, keeping him at the 2. Bundesliga club for the long term.
The former Wolfsburg and Stuttgart playmaker arrived in the German capital at the beginning of 2026 from Spanish side Real Oviedo. Despite featuring in only eleven second-tier matches so far, he has made an immediate impact with three goals and two assists. However, his campaign has been disrupted by two red cards that reduced his availability during the promotion push.
Brekalo brings substantial top-flight experience to Hertha, having scored 17 goals in 122 Bundesliga appearances during his spells with Wolfsburg and Stuttgart. He has also earned 35 caps for the Croatian national team, though his last international appearance came in 2023 while he was playing for Fiorentina in Italy.
Dudziak makes surprise switch to Asia
Meanwhile, Hertha have confirmed the departure of midfielder Jeremy Dudziak, who has joined Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League. The 30-year-old made ten appearances for Hertha during the 2025/26 campaign before securing his exit.
Dudziak, a product of the Borussia Dortmund youth academy, had spent his entire professional career in Germany prior to this transfer, aside from a six-month loan spell at Turkish side Hatayspor in 2023. He has accumulated over 200 appearances across the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga during spells with various clubs.
Beijing Guoan have been active in the international market this year, having already signed Portuguese defender Gui Ramos from Hamburg. The Super Cup winners are currently positioned seventh in the league table after starting the season with a points deduction for violations of sports ethics.