1. FC Magdeburg: Local talent on the rise - squad planning almost completed!

<ol> <li>FC Magdeburg: Local talent on the rise - squad planning almost completed!</li> </ol>

1. FC Magdeburg has repeatedly struggled with challenges in squad planning in recent years, particularly due to the so-called “local player” rule. This rule states that every club in the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga must have at least four players who have been eligible to play for the club for at least three seasons between the ages of 15 and 21. This measure is intended to promote young talent and support the integration of young talent into professional football, as stated on the website DFL is explained.

For the 2025/2026 season, the FCM has now added five local players. These include Tarek Chahed, Eldin Dzogovic, Noah Kruth, Magnus Baars and Robert Kampa. Chahed is a veteran who has been playing at the club since 2013, while Dzogovic and Kruth have been at FCM since 2018 and 2019. Baars signed his first professional contract in the winter, and Kampa only came from TeBe Berlin this year. These five will be part of the second division team next season and show that the club can implement the rules without having to resort to a bag of tricks, as sports director Otmar Schork emphasizes.

The squad for the new season

With the end of squad planning, 1. FC Magdeburg shows that great progress has been made. The squad is 95% fixed as on League 3 Online is reported. In total, the squad now includes 24 players: 9 external newcomers and 4 young players who will start together with 11 players who were already there last season. New members of the team include Dominik Ernst, Jürgen Gjasula and Sirlord Conteh.

Coach Stefan Krämer has already emphasized how important it is to take the league seriously. However, one position still remains unfilled, and a possible new signing, Kianz Froese, is currently training with the team in a trial training session. Froese, 23 years old and most recently under contract with Fortuna Düsseldorf, would like to gain a foothold in the new team. The competition in the squad is immense, says Maik Franz, head of the licensed player department.

Fan interest and preparation

Despite all this news, fans' interest remains unbroken. 10,500 ticket holders have extended their season tickets from last season, which clearly shows the enthusiasm for the upcoming games. Next week there will be a three-day training camp in Brandenburg to further prepare the team for the new season.

While Mario Seidel did not receive a new contract and is now playing for Offenbach, the squad development at FCM remains exciting. Above all, the integration of local players into the team shows that the club not only focuses on short-term success, but also on sustainable, long-term developments. A change of course that could potentially also create opportunities for other local talents.