A comprehensive squad re-design

14 players left and 9 came in their place. The youngest Bochum transfers are the centerback Jakov Medic (Ajax, loaned), who is still fresh in the memory of several fans due to his days at FC Sankt Pauli, and striker Myron Boadu (AS Monaco). Both players are expected to start in Leipzig next Saturday.

Dani de Wit (AZ Alkmaar) and Ibrahima Sissoko (Racing Strasbourg) were brought in as key elements for Bochum's midfield. A second loan spell for Dinamo Moscow player Ivan Ordets will guarantee solidity in the defense.

Other reinforcements:

Timo Horn (Goalkeeper / Salzburg)
Patrick Drewes (Goalkeeper / Karlsruher SC)
Niklas Jahn ( Midfielder / 1. FC Nürnberg)
Sam Bamba (Striker / Borussia Dortmund)
Aliou Balde (Attacking midfielder / OGC Nice, loaned)

Key figures like Kevin Stöger (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Patrick Osterhage (SC Freiburg), Takuma Asano (Mallorca), Keven Schlotterbeck (FC Augsburg), Goncalo Paciencia (Celta Vigo) and Andreas Luthe (retirement) have left the club as of recent.

The players who have left scored 23 of the 42 Bundesliga goals the VfL achieved last season, meaning they face the new championship without their most prolific scorers.

Kevin Stöger in particular will be a heavy loss, having been their top scorer (7 goals, 10 assists).