Jayden Braaf is training with VfL Osnabrück as the Dutch winger attempts to earn a contract with the newly promoted German second-tier side. The 23-year-old free agent will have an immediate opportunity to impress when he features in a friendly against Hannover 96, according to reports from Kicker.de.
Braaf has been without a club since leaving Hellas Verona in September 2025, creating a significant gap in his playing career. The former Manchester City academy graduate joined the 3.Liga champions’ pre-season preparations this week as he seeks to revive his fortunes in German football.
From City to Dortmund
The Amsterdam-born attacker first arrived in the Bundesliga in 2022, moving to Borussia Dortmund as a highly-rated prospect from Manchester City’s youth ranks. However, his stay at Signal Iduna Park proved brief, lasting only six months before he departed for Italy.
His spell at Hellas Verona ended prematurely last autumn, leaving him searching for employment across European leagues. During this period, transfer speculation connected him with moves to ADO Den Haag, Portsmouth and Cádiz, though no agreements were finalised.
Second-tier audition
VfL Osnabrück earned promotion to the 2. Bundesliga last season after claiming the 3.Liga title. The club now offers Braaf a potential route back into professional football, with the right-footed winger valued at approximately €400,000.
The friendly fixture against Hannover 96 serves as a crucial trial for the 1.81-metre forward. A convincing display could persuade the Lower Saxony club to offer him a permanent deal, ending his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Braaf faces the challenge of proving his match fitness after nearly ten months without competitive action. The training arrangement allows both player and club to evaluate whether a longer-term contract would suit their respective needs ahead of the new 2. Bundesliga campaign.