Borussia Mönchengladbach youth midfielder Nico Brandenburger will play on loan to Swiss outfit FC Luzern, managed by a familiar name from the Bundesliga in former Stuttgart, Hertha and Hoffenheim manager Markus Babbel, in the coming season. Babbel’s side finished fifth in the Swiss Super League last season, but will be hoping for a return to European competition at the end of next year with Brandenburger’s help.
Brandenburger set for some first team action
The news comes after the 20-year old from Berlin extended his contract with die Fohlen until 2017 in February. Despite having signed for the club from Hertha BSC in 2010, the young midfielder is yet to make an appearance for Borussia’s first team; his only involvement thus far have been being part of the matchday squad, as well as receiving minutes during pre-season and winter break training camps.
However, Brandenburger has impressed for the club’s second string which won the Regionalliga West this season, becoming a key player for the U23s and making 28 appearances in Germany’s fourth tier, scoring three goals as the club missed out on promotion to the 3. Liga in extra time against Bremen II.
Borussia’s Sporting Director Max Eberl told the press that the loan move is important for Brandenburger’s future as “it is important that he receives playing time at a high level”. The jump in quality from the Regionalliga to the Swiss Super League will certainly help Brandenburger to fulfill his potential, and potentially challenge for a place in the main matchday squad upon returning to Niederrhein next summer.
A could deal for both clubs
Luzern, meanwhile, have a talented youngster on their hands; Brandenburger is an ambitious player and has featured in German youth internationals at every age group so far, which perhaps shows a bright future ahead. It looks likely that Brandenburger will play in defensive midfield for Babbel’s men, but his versatility – being able to play in defence as well as in midfield – should play into the youngster’s hands as he searches for game time.