Keanan Bennetts has completed a move to FC Ingolstadt 04, signing for the German third-tier side as a free agent. The 27-year-old versatile wide player arrives following a productive spell at Notts County, where he contributed to the Magpies’ promotion to League One via the playoffs last season.
The London-born former England Under-19 international returns to German football having previously competed in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach. His experience on the continent also includes stints with Darmstadt in the 2. Bundesliga and SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the 3. Liga.
Top-Flight Experience and Injury Struggles
Bennetts first moved to Germany in 2018 after developing in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy. He joined Gladbach with promising potential but endured an injury-plagued spell that limited his appearances at the highest level. Despite these setbacks, he gained valuable exposure to Bundesliga football before departing.
His subsequent career path took him to Darmstadt, where he featured in the second tier, and later to Wehen Wiesbaden. The latter campaign ended in disappointment as the club suffered relegation from the third tier, prompting Bennetts to seek opportunities back in England.
English Resurgence at Notts County
The 2023-24 season marked a significant turnaround for the winger. Signing for Notts County, he played his part in a successful National League campaign that culminated in playoff victory and a return to the Football League. The promotion ended a four-year absence from League One for the Nottinghamshire outfit.
Now Bennetts departs the English fourth tier to embark on a second spell in Germany. Ingolstadt will be hoping his combination of Bundesliga pedigree and recent match sharpness can strengthen their squad as they compete in the 3. Liga.
Family Connections
The move maintains a German football link for the Bennetts family. Keanan’s younger brother Jayden previously featured for Stuttgart’s reserve side and currently plays for semi-professional club Chesham United.
Ingolstadt have secured the services of the former England youth international without paying a transfer fee. The club will be looking to climb the 3. Liga standings this season, and they will hope Bennetts’s top-level experience can prove valuable in their promotion pursuit.