Marcel Hartel is moving abroad for the first time. The 28-year-old, who let his contract with FC St. Pauli expire, signed a four-year contract with St. Louis City SC.
Heading to the USA: Marcel Hartel. IMAGO/osnapix
What had been hinted at for several weeks is now official: Marcel Hartel is joining St. Louis City SC. The 28-year-old signed a contract with the MLS club until 2028, which includes a club option to extend the contract by six months.
Although Hartel’s contract with FC St. Pauli expired, St. Louis has to transfer money to another club. For $350,000, St. Louis acquired the discovery rights for Hartel from league rival Columbus Crew. The latter had secured the so-called discovery rights and thus the right to a possible signing of Hartel. “We are happy that we have concluded this deal and were able to bring a top-class midfielder like Marcel to St. Louis,” sports director Lutz Pfannenstiel is quoted as saying in the press release.
His playmaking and finishing skills will help us in two ways.
Hartel is leaving Germany for the first time at the peak of his career. He led the Kiez-Kickers back to the Bundesliga last season with a total of 30 goal contributions (17 goals, 13 assists) – he had not collected anywhere near as many points in previous years. “His skills as a playmaker and finisher will help us in two ways to strengthen our attack,” said Pfannenstiel.
Hartel is eligible to play from July 18
City SC has announced Hartel as one of the three “Designated Players” in the MLS. From the perspective of club president Diego Gigliani, this underlines the trust in the new signing. “We are convinced that he will have an important positive influence on our team,” explains Gigliani.
Fans will need a little patience before they see the midfielder on the pitch. He will not be eligible to play until July 18, the start of the MLS summer transfer window. On that day, St. Louis, which also includes former Bundesliga players Roman Bürki, Eduard Löwen and, more recently, Cedric Teuchert, will be visiting the Seattle Sounders.
Hartel will probably play a maximum of ten league games in the current season, as St. Louis is likely to miss the play-offs. Hartel’s new club is currently in twelfth place in the Western Conference, nine points behind ninth place, which means qualification for the play-in.
2024-07-02 15:15:35
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