Hannover 96 Strengthens Squad with Noah Weißhaupt Loan Following Schmadtke's Return

Hannover 96 welcome winger Noah Weißhaupt on loan from SC Freiburg as the club's new sporting director Jörg Schmadtke begins shaping the squad for the 2026 season.

    Key details

  • • Noah Weißhaupt joins Hannover 96 on loan from SC Freiburg until season's end with purchase option.
  • • Jörg Schmadtke returns as Hannover 96's sporting director with a contract until 2029.
  • • Weißhaupt is praised for speed, versatility, and Bundesliga experience by Schmadtke.
  • • Hannover is actively seeking to add a central striker to strengthen the squad.

Hannover 96 has made its first winter transfer since the appointment of Jörg Schmadtke as the new Geschäftsführer Sport. The club secured the loan signing of 24-year-old winger Noah Weißhaupt from SC Freiburg until the end of the 2025-26 season, with an option to buy. Weißhaupt, who recently struggled for playing time at Legia Warsaw, joined Hannover's training camp in Belek, Turkey, and has already been involved in preparations for a friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Schmadtke, who returned to Hannover 96 in late 2025 after previously serving from 2009 to 2013, praised Weißhaupt's speed, versatility on the wings, and Bundesliga experience. According to Schmadtke, Weißhaupt will enhance the team's offensive capabilities. The player expressed enthusiasm about the move, highlighting his alignment with Hannover's playing style and noting the positive reputation of the squad. Weißhaupt's football pedigree includes his father, former Bundesliga player Marco Weißhaupt, and his grandfather, ex-DDR Oberliga player Jörg Weißhaupt.

In addition to this signing, Hannover 96 continues to seek a central striker to further bolster their squad. Schmadtke's contract extends through February 28, 2029, signaling long-term strategic plans for the club's sporting direction. This loan deal marks a key early move under Schmadtke’s leadership as Hannover aims to strengthen its 2. Bundesliga campaign.

This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

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