By Peter WeissPeter Vassi
German transfer expert Florian Plettenberg reports that TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, along with other unnamed clubs, are interested in signing 1. FC Heidenheim right-back Omar Hakhtab Traore.
One of FC Heidenheim’s unsung heroes could be on the move in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season. Signed by Albogenclub as a free agent last summer, right-back Omar Hakhtab Traore enjoyed a fine season with the German Conference League side last year. The 26-year-old Togolese-born German defender made 32 appearances across all competitions for Heidenheim, providing five assists in the league and boosting his estimated market value to a career-high €2.5 million.
Hoffenheim remains in dire need of natural position players across the squad. At right-back, only 32-year-old Pavel Kaderavec has extensive experience playing full-back/wing-back on that side. TSG trainer Pellegrino Matarazzo often used Iras Bebou in this position last year, but the fellow Togolese professional is sidelined with a lengthy injury. Traore would be a perfect fit, but German transfer expert Florian Plettenberg points out that multiple clubs are interested in him.
That makes sense. There will be plenty of potential suitors for the FCH player after his consistently impressive performances last year. Still, Heidenheim themselves may be reluctant to let him go. Frank Schmidt’s team has already lost several key players this offseason. Lead striker Tim Kleindienst (Gladbach), assist master Jan-Niclas Beste (Benfica), all-around attacker Eren Dinkci (Freiburg) and crucial player Kevin Sessa (Hertha BSC) are all gone. Traoré is under contract to Bau’s Borders until 2026.