Hoffenheim have reportedly reached a personal agreement with Slovak winger Leo Sauer, though a club deal is yet to be completed. The Kraichgauer are among several clubs vying for the 20-year-old, with Feyenoord, Benfica and Stuttgart all in talks.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 6th in Bundesliga, 51 pts, 15W-6D-8L from 29 games, recent form DLLDW. Hoffenheim finished 25 points behind leaders Bayern München and scored 57 goals with a +14 goal difference over the season.
What’s happened?
Hoffenheim have reached a personal agreement with Leo Sauer, a 20-year-old Slovak winger on Feyenoord’s books. Multiple bids have been tabled, but no club deal has been struck yet. Hoffenheim, Stuttgart and Benfica are all in the race, with Stuttgart ready to pay €10 million.
Insiders say Sauer has already agreed terms with Hoffenheim, but Feyenoord’s release clause and the final contract details remain sticking points. The Kraichgauer have submitted several offers, yet the move is still not official.
Why Sauer could fit at Hoffenheim
Sauer is a quick, technically gifted winger who can both score and set up chances. Last season he made 12 Bundesliga appearances for Feyenoord, contributing two assists. His pace and creativity would add another dimension to Hoffenheim’s attack, which scored 57 goals in 2025-26.
Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo has built a side that plays an attacking style and trusts young talent. Sauer would slot neatly into that system, especially since Hoffenheim conceded only 43 goals last season. The question now is whether the Kraichgauer can outbid Stuttgart and Benfica.
What happens next?
The coming days will be decisive. If Hoffenheim secure Feyenoord’s release, the move could be wrapped up before the new campaign begins. The club’s sporting project and financial room have impressed observers.
Yet the competition is fierce. Benfica has tabled concrete offers, while Stuttgart is prepared to pay €10 million. Should Sauer arrive, he could be the missing piece in Hoffenheim’s attack. Fans are hoping for a swift resolution.
Hoffenheim finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season with a balanced record. Their next fixture is away to Hamburger SV on 20 February 2027.
