Rubin Okotie and Dominik Stahl have been allowed to leave 1860 Munich, as new manager Kosta Runjaić begins his summer clear-out with the Bavarian club. The Austrian, Okotie, is headed for China and Beijing Enterprises FC whilst Stahl is making the comparatively short journey to the outer Munich suburbs with SpVgg Unterhaching in the Regionalliga Bayern.
The former 1. FC Kaiserlsuatern boss, Runjaić, will be hoping that his new side will be able to avoid the relegation problems that have dogged die Löwen over the past two seasons. The 45 year old has been undertaking a huge clear out with the Bavarian side, that has saw no fewer than nine faces leave 1860.
Okotie heads to the Far East
After two years at the Allianz Arena, Rubin Okotie will be heading to China for the next step in his career. Despite rumors linking the 29 year old with a move to Bundesliga outfit, SV Darmstadt 98, the Austrian instead will be taking to the field in the Chinese Second Division with Beijing Enterprises FC. It follows the trend of a number of high profile moves to the Chinese game, including former Werder Bremen striker Anthony Ujah last week.
This follows the usual trend for Okotie; the striker hasn't stayed with any club longer than three years.
The Austrian international allowed his two year contract with die Löwen to run out, and was subsequently 1860 Munich were unable to command any transfer fee for the centre forward. In 64 appearances in the blue and white of 1860, Okotie scored 25 goals; proving crucial in-particularly in the 2014/15 season as the Allianz Arena club staved off relegation right at the death under the guidance of Torsten Fröhling.
Stahl says goodbye to die Löwen
Stahl's departure ends the midfielders twelve years association with die Löwen, 1860 Munich. In that team he has made 123 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, scoring on ten occasions and assisting three times, becoming a real fan favourite in the process.
He now joins Unterhaching, as Claus Schromm's side look to return to the 3. Liga. The side that made history in the late 1990s when reaching the Bundesliga were relegated to the fourth tier in 2015, and die Haching were unable to bounce back last season as another historic club, SSV Jahn Regensburg were promoted. The 27 year old has signed a three year deal with the Regionalliga Bayern club, with the option of a one year extension.
Unterhaching Club President, Manfred Schwabl, told the club website, "Dominik is a seasoned professional and I'm pleased that he has chosen us, despite the other offers he had" regarding the move. "It is important that he can help both our experienced players and our young talents in their development," Schwabl added.