Erfurt collects 9 goals in the test game - newcomer Ikene ensures hope!

Erfurt collects 9 goals in the test game - newcomer Ikene ensures hope!

What a hot summer day in Erfurt! On July 12, 2025, FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt reported the newcomer from Sofiane Ikene, a 20-year defensive all-rounder from Luxembourg, which will strengthen the club until 2027. The talented actor's commitment comes after a rather turbulent test game against the Southwest regional league Fulda, who lost Erfurt 2: 9. Despite the high defeat, there are to celebrate offspring.

In the first part of the game, which took place in four sections of 30 minutes, the A-Elf from Erfurt competed and was only able to accept a narrow defeat of 2: 3 with two goals from Marco Wolf in the first hour. But after this strong phase, the team was weakened by substitutes from young talents and two test players. These substitutions led to a noticeable drop in performance, which made the second half of the game a challenge. The new ones in the squad, Pepe Böhm (19) by RB Leipzig U19 and Juraj Hartmann (23) from Lotte, were obviously difficult to pull the helm around.

a new star in the football sky

Sofiane Ikene not only brings a fresh air to the defensive of Erfurt, but also international experience. The Luxembrugische international has already made his debut in the A national team and recently played in the U21 qualification for the EM 2025. With his previous 20 missions in the regional league Bayern for the U23 of the 1. FC Nürnberg and 25 games in the U19 Bundesliga, he brings valuable playful skills. Coach Fabian Gerber emphasizes Ikene as calm, confidently and strongly - exactly the attributes that Erfurt now needs.

The newcomer also took part in Israel in the U17 European Championship 2022 and shows that it can not only be talented, but can also consist of pressure situations. Gerber plans to use Ikene as a six and a central defender to strengthen and stabilize the defensive of the team. According to the latest results, this step is more than necessary.

A look at the regional league

Erfurt faces challenges in the regional league and the expectations of Ikene are high. Many teams buzz around in the regional league, but FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt has the potential to change with such new additions. You can find an overview of the regional league on Kicker .

The fans hope that the next test games will bring more positive things from Erfurt. In the coming time it will be crucial to develop a stable defense - and Ikene could be the key to that. It remains to be seen how the team and the new man will beat in the coming season.

For everyone who would like to learn more about football in Erfurt, there is further current information at Image and Sportschau .