FC Carl Zeiss Jena loses Talent Muqaj to Holstein Kiel - what now?

FC Carl Zeiss Jena loses Talent Muqaj to Holstein Kiel - what now?

Jena, Deutschland - FC Carl Zeiss Jena carried out a remarkable transfer in the summer of 2025, which ensures conversation. The 19-year-old Hamza Muqaj leaves the club and moves to Holstein Kiel to the 2nd Bundesliga. Muqaj impressively made the leap from the youth to the professional team last year and is now leaving a gap in the team that will be difficult to fill. As thueringen24.de, the loss for coach Volkan Uluc is simply painful, but not without positive perspectives, but at the same time he is happy about the rise of his player can.

The sporting consequences of this transfer should not be underestimated. Sports director Patrick Versa also commented on the situation and emphasized that the transfer represents an "economically sensible agreement". Such transfers are part of the current strategy to strengthen the association's finances, which has already recorded eleven departures and only five new additions. The question remains: How will Jena compensate for the departures to continue to fight to the third division?

The current squad and the challenges

Especially at a time when the team dynamics are decisive, those responsible face the challenge of finding suitable players who can take the Muqaj place and the other graduates. FC Carl Zeiss Jena has generated high income in the current transfer summer, but the risk of a weakened squad is great. This can be read not only from the departures, but also from the modest number of new obligations.

The latest figures speak a clear language. In the third division, Jena is one of the clubs, which with a squad of about 22 players compared to other teams such as the 1. FC Hansa Rostock (30 players, market value: € 9.05 million) or 1860 Munich (31 players, market value: € 8.85 million) are more located in the lower area. Here it is important to strengthen the team both quantitatively and qualitatively in order to survive in the upcoming competition transfermarkt.de.

A look into the future

The planning for the next few months is already in full swing. Jena will target the financial means generated by Muqaj's transfer. The goal is clear: the third division promotion is within reach, but the team must be strong and powerful.

whether and how the departures will ultimately affect the team's performance remains to be seen. However, fans of the FCC can draw a certain optimism that this challenge can also be mastered with the right hand in the new obligations. It will be particularly exciting which talent will replace the current departures and whether Jena can promote a new star from youth.

A look at the current situation of the association then also leaves room for hope for a successful season in the third division, which will start shortly.