German Football Transfer Market: Key Moves in Early February 2026

As the winter transfer window closed in early February 2026, several notable transfers and decisions have shaped the German football landscape, particularly within the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.

VfB Stuttgart firmly rejected interest from Nottingham Forest regarding their defender Ramon Hendriks. Despite speculation about a potential €15 million move, Stuttgart deemed the offer insufficient and no formal bid was made. Hendriks, under contract until 2028 without a release clause, remains a key player boasting a 72.4% success rate in duels—making him the league's top defender according to Opta. Stuttgart's financial stability means they have no urgency to sell. On a related note, Efe Korkut is set to leave Stuttgart for Athletic Bilbao, with the Spanish club paying approximately €500,000 for the young midfielder.

In the 2. Bundesliga, 22-year-old defender Andi Hoti transferred from 1. FC Magdeburg to Eintracht Braunschweig on the final day of the transfer window, signing a contract lasting until 2028. Although Dynamo Dresden had pursued Hoti for weeks, their final offer of €175,000 fell short of Magdeburg's €250,000 asking price. Sporting director Otmar Schork confirmed the transfer, honoring Hoti's wish after his earlier release. Hoti brings solid experience with 29 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga and one cap for Kosovo. Additionally, Kandet Diawara departed Magdeburg after only six months, returning to France with ES Troyes AC.

FC Köln secured an exciting addition by loaning Bayern Munich's 18-year-old midfielder Felipe Chavez until summer. The deal includes a buy option with bonuses in the mid-million range and a Bayern buy-back clause. Chavez impressed last season with 18 goals and 13 assists and has already featured twice in the Bundesliga. Köln's sporting director Thomas Kessler highlighted Chavez’s offensive prowess and versatility as a key boost for their midfield. Bayern's sports director Christoph Freund emphasized the importance of meaningful Bundesliga play for the youngster's development.

These strategic moves highlight German clubs' focus on strengthening their squads while protecting valuable assets amid competitive transfer negotiations.