HSG Wetzlar
HSG Wetzlar is a professional handball club based in Wetzlar, Germany, that competes in the top-tier Handball-Bundesliga and the DHB-Pokal (German Handball Cup).[1] Formed in 1992 through the merger of TSV Dutenhofen (founded 1904) and TV Münchholzhausen (founded 1909), the club initially operated as HSG Dutenhofen/Münchholzhausen before being renamed HSG Wetzlar in 2004.[2] The club's men's team achieved promotion to the Handball-Bundesliga for the 1998/99 season and has remained in the league without interruption since then, marking over 25 consecutive seasons in Germany's premier handball competition as of 2025.[2] Key milestones include reaching the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1998, securing a 7th-place finish in the 2012/13 season—their best league performance to date—and advancing to the Final Four of the EHF European League in 2017/18.[2] HSG Wetzlar plays its home matches at the Buderus Arena, a multi-purpose venue with a capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators, located adjacent to Wetzlar's main railway station.[3] Organizationally, the professional operations are managed by HSG Wetzlar Handball Bundesliga Spielbetriebs GmbH & Co. KG, established in 2001 to handle Bundesliga affairs.[2] The club emphasizes community engagement in the Mittelhessen region, with youth development programs and fan initiatives under the motto "#WeilDuDasSpielLiebst" (Because You Love the Game).[1] While yet to claim a national championship, HSG Wetzlar has established itself as a consistent mid-tier contender, known for competitive European participations and contributions to German handball talent pipelines.[2]History
Formation and mergers
The origins of HSG Wetzlar trace back to two longstanding handball clubs in the Lahn-Dill region of Hesse, Germany. TSV Dutenhofen was established in 1904 as a multi-sport association, with handball emerging as one of its key disciplines in the post-World War II era. Similarly, TV Münchholzhausen was founded in 1909, initially focusing on gymnastics but expanding into handball by the mid-20th century. Both clubs operated as amateur organizations, competing in regional leagues within the Hessian Handball Association and fostering local talent through community-based programs.[2] In 1992, TSV Dutenhofen and TV Münchholzhausen merged to create HSG Dutenhofen/Münchholzhausen (Handball Sport Gemeinschaft), driven by the need to pool resources and achieve synergies in a challenging landscape for amateur handball. The predecessor clubs had already demonstrated competitive prowess—TSV Dutenhofen reaching the 2. Bundesliga Süd in the 1980s, and TV Münchholzhausen advancing to the Regionalliga—but faced limitations in infrastructure, funding, and player development as standalone entities. The merger aimed to elevate handball beyond the Mittelhessen boundaries, combining administrative expertise, youth systems, and fan bases to build a stronger regional powerhouse while maintaining amateur status in the Oberliga Hessen.[2] The merged entity retained its amateur roots initially, participating in regional competitions like the Oberliga and Hessenliga through the 1990s, where it focused on steady progression rather than immediate professional ambitions. Name changes reflected evolving identity and ambitions: in 1999–2000, it became HSG D/M Wetzlar to align with Bundesliga aspirations, and in 2004, it adopted the current name HSG Wetzlar to underscore ties to the city and broader Lahn-Dill area. This period laid the organizational groundwork, culminating in the club's promotion to the Handball-Bundesliga in 1998.[2]Entry into professional leagues
In the 1997/98 season, HSG Wetzlar achieved promotion to the Handball-Bundesliga, marking the club's entry into Germany's top professional handball league after finishing as runners-up in the 2. Handball-Bundesliga.[2] This success followed a breakthrough in the 1996/97 DHB-Pokal, where the team, still competing in the second division, reached the final but lost 23:28 to TBV Lemgo, a result that not only highlighted their competitive potential but also qualified them for the EHF Cup-Winners' Cup the following season.[2][4] Since ascending to the Handball-Bundesliga in 1998, HSG Wetzlar has maintained its position in the top tier without facing relegation, establishing long-term stability in professional handball despite periodic close calls in the standings.[5][6] The club's debut season in the elite league was a period of adjustment, as they focused on building a roster capable of competing against established powerhouses while securing the necessary infrastructure for professional operations. In the early 2000s, HSG Wetzlar consolidated its professional status through key organizational and financial adaptations. On July 1, 2001, the club established HSG D/M Wetzlar Handball-Bundesliga Spielbetriebs GmbH & Co. KG, a dedicated entity to manage Bundesliga operations, which helped professionalize administration, sponsorship deals, and revenue streams amid the demands of top-tier competition.[2] Infrastructurally, the team transitioned to the newly built arena (now known as Buderus Arena, formerly Rittal Arena) in 2005, a 5,000-capacity venue that provided modern facilities for training, matches, and fan engagement, supporting the club's growth and sustainability in the league.[2] These developments enabled HSG Wetzlar to navigate the financial pressures of professional handball, including player salaries and travel, while fostering a stable mid-table presence.Key milestones and challenges
In 1998, HSG Wetzlar reached their first European final in the EHF Cup Winners' Cup, facing Spanish side Caja Cantabria Santander in a two-legged tie; despite a competitive effort, they suffered defeat in the aggregate, marking a significant milestone in the club's early international aspirations but also highlighting defensive vulnerabilities against top competition.[2] The club's performance peaked domestically in the 2016–17 Handball-Bundesliga season, achieving their highest-ever league finish of 6th place with 41 points from 34 matches, driven by strong offensive contributions and consistent mid-season form that briefly positioned them in contention for European qualification spots. In the 2024–25 season, HSG Wetzlar narrowly avoided the relegation playoff, finishing 16th with just two points above the danger zone amid a string of losses and draws. This poor form led to a major coaching transition in May 2025, when head coach Frank Carstens was dismissed prematurely and replaced immediately by Momir Ilić to inject fresh tactical approaches and stabilize the squad.[7][8] Entering the 2025–26 season, challenges persisted, with the team in 15th place after 10 matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses, 5 points) as of November 2025, exacerbated by persistent injuries to key players, such as goalkeeper Bart Ravensbergen's ACL tear in August 2025, which necessitated emergency signings like Karim Hendawy and disrupted team cohesion during critical early-season fixtures.[9][10] Additionally, shifts in sponsorship landscape— including the 2015 renewal with brewery Licher amid earlier short-term deals like the 2013 agreement with Druckerei Schäfer—have occasionally strained financial resources, contributing to roster instability and hindering long-term planning for competitive depth.[11][12]Club Identity
Crest, colors, and branding
The primary colors of HSG Wetzlar are green and white, emblematic of the club and referred to as the "Grün-Weißen" since its formation in 1992 through the merger of TSV Dutenhofen (founded 1904) and TV Münchholzhausen (founded 1909).[2] These colors are specified in the club's official branding guidelines, with key shades including HSG Grün 2 (Pantone 349 C, CMYK 90/30/100/20, RGB 0/111/50) for logo elements and various greens, whites, and supporting tones like orange and grays for broader applications.[13] The club's crest is embodied in its logo, featuring the stylized acronym "HSG" above "Wetzlar," serving as a symbol of tradition, passion, and unity.[14] This design has remained central to the visual identity, with the green hue prominently used to evoke regional ties and club heritage.[15] Branding evolved following the 1992 merger, initially under the name HSG Dutenhofen/Münchholzhausen, before adopting "HSG D/M Wetzlar" for the 1999/2000 season to reflect broader regional representation.[2] In spring 2004, the name simplified to "HSG Wetzlar," prompting alignment of the logo and visual elements to emphasize the city's identity.[2] Further modern refreshes occurred in 2022 for the 25th consecutive Bundesliga season, introducing radiant patterns in green, white, orange, and silver accents to the overall branding, developed in collaboration with agency FIRST ART.[16] This update enhanced marketing materials while preserving core elements, including subtle nods to the founding clubs' emblems in anniversary contexts.[15]Kits and sponsorships
The home kit of HSG Wetzlar features the club's traditional green and white colors, with recent designs including light green bases for visibility and performance in matches (as of 2025/26).[17][18] Away kits have varied over time, including all-blue designs or alternate patterns to accommodate opponent colors while maintaining brand consistency.[19] HSG Wetzlar's kit supplier history reflects shifts in partnerships to incorporate advancing sportswear technology. In recent years, Mizuno has served as the primary manufacturer since at least the 2020 season, delivering innovative designs such as lightweight, breathable fabrics and ergonomic fits that support handball's dynamic demands, marking a departure from earlier suppliers in the club's professional era.[20][21] Commercial sponsorships have significantly shaped the kits' appearance, with major partners securing prominent jersey placements. Rittal, a technology firm, acted as a key front sponsor through the 2010s, integrating its logo into kit aesthetics and contributing to arena naming rights until 2021, which indirectly boosted uniform branding visibility.[22][23] Buderus succeeded as the primary sponsor from 2021, placing its logo on the front of home jerseys and expanding the partnership to include co-sponsorship with another local club, thereby modernizing kit visuals with industrial-themed graphics while enhancing financial stability.[24][25] Licher Brewery has maintained a recurring role since the early 2010s, featuring its branding on home match shirts during renewal periods like 2015, adding a distinctive emblem that complements the white-blue palette without overwhelming the design.[11] These sponsorships have evolved the kits from basic uniforms to commercially integrated apparel, balancing aesthetics with revenue generation. In August 2025, the club announced three new jersey sponsors: Abbott, PVA TePla AG, and Reich GmbH, further enhancing financial stability and kit branding.[26]Supporters and fan culture
The supporters of HSG Wetzlar form a dedicated community rooted in the club's identity as a cornerstone of handball in Mittelhessen, with fans demonstrating strong regional loyalty that transcends game outcomes.[27] This loyalty is evident in consistent attendance at the Buderus Arena, where average home crowds have hovered between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators per match in recent seasons, reflecting a passionate yet intimate fanbase compared to larger Bundesliga venues.[28][29] Key fan groups anchor this culture, including the HSG Wetzlar Fan-Club „Grün-Weiss“ e.V., established in 2003 to foster maximum support and atmosphere at home and away games, and officially registered as an association in 2023. With approximately 140 members, the group employs drummers and flag-wavers to energize the Buderus Arena, organizes bus trips for away matches, and hosts social gatherings such as summer festivals and player meet-and-greets to build camaraderie.[27] Complementing this is Entourage Wetzlar, an active ultras-style group that travels extensively—covering thousands of kilometers annually—to back the team, displaying banners and maintaining a unified presence in dedicated fan sections at stadiums.[30] These organizations embody the club's green-and-white ethos, emphasizing collective spirit under mottos like „WIR SIND WETZLAR“ chanted during matches.[27] Traditions among Wetzlar fans highlight the vibrant, participatory nature of Mittelhessen handball culture, including rhythmic chants like „H U M B A!“ that pulse through the arena to rally the team during critical moments. Pre-match rituals often involve fan marches to the venue and coordinated displays of flags and scarves, fostering a sense of regional pride in an area where HSG Wetzlar serves as a symbol of local resilience and community unity. Away game support extends this, with groups like Entourage Wetzlar upholding annual customs such as post-match socials in host cities, reinforcing loyalty among fans from the Lahn Valley region.[31] The fan culture also extends to community initiatives that strengthen ties between the club and Mittelhessen residents, particularly through youth outreach and local events. The Grün-Weiss Fan-Club actively recruits younger members via open invitations and sponsors equipment like drums for junior supporters, while organizing inclusive events such as winter hikes and fan tables that introduce handball to families and newcomers.[27] These efforts, often in partnership with the club, promote grassroots engagement and tie the team's identity to broader regional development, such as youth clinics and public viewing parties that draw in schools and local organizations.[32]Facilities and Operations
Home arena
The Buderus Arena in Wetzlar, Germany, serves as the primary home venue for HSG Wetzlar's handball matches. Opened on March 11, 2005, as the Mittelhessen-Arena, a multipurpose indoor facility, it was sponsored by Rittal and renamed the Rittal Arena from March 1, 2006, until 2021. In January 2022, Buderus secured exclusive naming rights, renaming it the Buderus Arena to align with its role as the club's main sponsor since July 2021.[33][3] The arena features a maximum capacity of 6,000 spectators in unreserved seating configurations, though handball events typically accommodate around 5,000 fans to ensure safety and visibility. Constructed at a cost of approximately 16 million euros, it includes modern amenities such as a 2,468 square meter indoor playing surface suitable for professional sports. Operated by Arenakonzept GmbH since September 2020, the venue is centrally located near Wetzlar's train station and pedestrian zone, facilitating easy access for supporters.[3][34][35] HSG Wetzlar exclusively hosts its Bundesliga league games and domestic cup matches at the Buderus Arena, making it integral to the club's professional operations and match-day atmosphere. The facility also supports other events like wheelchair basketball for RSV Lahn-Dill, but handball remains its flagship use, drawing consistent crowds for the team's home fixtures.[3][36]Training and youth academy
The HSG Wetzlar maintains dedicated training facilities in the region to support both senior and youth development, including the Sporthalle Dutenhofen in Wetzlar, which serves as a primary venue for regular training sessions and public practices.[37] Additionally, the club operates a modern fitness studio in nearby Fernwald, equipped with high-end machinery, personalized coaching, sauna, and lounge areas to facilitate strength and conditioning programs.[38] The youth academy, structured around age-group teams from U15 to U19 under the Mittelhessen Youngsters banner, emphasizes grassroots development and competitive play in leagues such as the Jugendbundesliga.[39] These programs focus on nurturing local talent through structured training, regional competitions, and school outreach initiatives like the Buderus Nachwuchs-Tour, which brings professional players to classrooms to inspire young athletes.[40] Pathways to the senior squad are well-established, with promising players transitioning via the U23 team to gain professional exposure. Success in the academy is evident from multiple national titles, including German A-Jugend championships in 2017 and 2019, highlighting the effectiveness of the developmental system.[41][42] Over recent years, several graduates have debuted professionally, such as Tizian Weimer, who earned a senior contract after excelling in youth ranks, and two U23 standouts promoted to the first team in 2024.[43][44]Achievements
Domestic competitions
HSG Wetzlar earned promotion to the Handball-Bundesliga in 1998 after a successful campaign in the 2. Handball-Bundesliga, marking their entry into Germany's top flight. Since the 1998–99 season, the club has maintained an unbroken presence in the league, avoiding relegation through consistent performances.[45] They have established themselves as a mid-table team, frequently finishing between 8th and 15th place across multiple seasons, reflecting stable competitiveness without challenging for titles or facing immediate drop risks.[45] Their peak achievement came in the 2016–17 season, when they secured 6th place with over 40 points earned from a balanced record of wins, draws, and losses.[45] In the DHB-Pokal, HSG Wetzlar's most prominent early success occurred in 1997, when the second-division side reached the final, an upset that highlighted their potential and earned a spot in the subsequent EHF Cup.[45] Post-promotion, they advanced to the semi-finals in 2018 after defeating TVB 1898 Stuttgart 25:21 in the quarter-finals, securing qualification for the Lidl Final4 tournament.[46] The club has made several deep runs since, including quarter-final appearances in recent years, though they have often exited at that stage; for instance, in the 2022–23 edition, they fell 29:28 to SG Flensburg-Handewitt in a tightly contested match.[47] More recently, quarter-final efforts have given way to earlier eliminations, such as their 2025–26 second-round loss to Füchse Berlin by 35:30.[4] Prior to their Bundesliga ascent, HSG Wetzlar built momentum through successes in regional competitions, including wins in the Hessenpokal and other Verbandspokale that bolstered their regional standing in Hesse.[48] These victories contributed to their 2. Bundesliga promotion and laid the foundation for sustained professional play.European and international honors
HSG Wetzlar achieved its most significant European success in the 1997/98 season by reaching the final of the EHF Cup Winners' Cup, a remarkable feat for a team competing in Germany's second division at the time. Qualified through a strong domestic cup run, the club advanced past several top European sides before facing Spanish champions Caja Cantabria Santander in the two-legged final. Wetzlar lost the first leg 15–30 away and the second leg 24–26 at home, resulting in an aggregate defeat of 39–56. This runner-up finish remains the club's highest placement in continental competition and highlighted their potential on the international stage.[49] Beyond this milestone, HSG Wetzlar has made regular appearances in EHF-organized tournaments throughout the 2000s and 2010s, primarily in the EHF Cup and its successor, the EHF European League. These participations often involved competing in qualification rounds and group stages, such as during the 2010s when the club advanced to group phase matches against teams from across Europe, gaining crucial experience in high-level international play despite not progressing further. These efforts underscored Wetzlar's consistent qualification via domestic performances, fostering development against diverse playing styles.[4] The club's international profile has also been elevated through players receiving national team call-ups while on the roster, exposing HSG Wetzlar to broader recognition. Prominent examples include Croatian legend Ivano Balić, who joined in 2013 and contributed to Croatia's World Championship and Olympic triumphs prior to and during his tenure, and Spanish international Carlos Prieto, who played from 2013 to 2016 and earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics while helping Spain secure multiple EHF Champions League titles earlier in his career. German talent Jannik Kohlbacher, during his time at Wetzlar from 2013 to 2018, debuted for the national team and participated in major tournaments like the 2016 Olympics, further linking the club to elite global handball. These call-ups not only boosted player quality but also increased the club's visibility in international media and scouting networks.[50]Individual and team awards
In the 2016–17 Handball-Bundesliga season, HSG Wetzlar's head coach Kai Wandschneider was named Coach of the Year by the German Handball Federation, recognizing his leadership in guiding the team to a club-record 41 points and a sixth-place finish despite significant roster changes.[51] Philipp Weber, a left back for HSG Wetzlar during that same season, earned the Bundesliga top scorer award with 224 goals in 34 matches, while also leading the league in assists, highlighting his pivotal role in the team's offensive output.[51] The club's contributions to regional handball development have been acknowledged through various local honors, including recognition for youth programs and community engagement in Hesse, though specific Fair Play awards at the national level remain limited.[6]Rivalries
Primary rivals
The primary rival of HSG Wetzlar is TV Hüttenberg, with matches between the two clubs known as the Mittelhessen-Derby due to their shared location in the Lahn-Dill-Kreis region of Hesse, approximately 15 kilometers apart.[48][52] This rivalry stems from local pride and a history of competitive clashes in regional leagues, where both teams have vied for dominance in Mittelhessen handball since the mid-20th century, including TV Hüttenberg's earlier stints in the top flight.[53][54] Beyond the local derby, HSG Wetzlar maintains competitive grudges with other mid-table Bundesliga sides, particularly regional foes like MT Melsungen, forming a Hessian rivalry fueled by proximity and frequent encounters in the league.[55][56][57] These relationships underscore Wetzlar's position in the league's competitive middle tier, where battles often decide survival and European qualification spots.Notable derby encounters
One of the most memorable Mittelhessenderby encounters occurred on September 16, 2011, during the Handball-Bundesliga season, when HSG Wetzlar defeated TV Hüttenberg 28:20 in a closely contested match amid both teams' struggles against relegation.[58] The game drew a sellout crowd of 4,412 spectators at the Buderus Arena, highlighting the intense local rivalry and setting an attendance benchmark for derbies between the clubs.[59] Wetzlar's victory provided crucial points in their survival bid, while the high-scoring affair (48 total goals) underscored the competitive edge when both sides were in the top flight. Another significant clash came in the 2016 DHB-Pokal first round on August 27, where HSG Wetzlar edged TV Hüttenberg 30:25 away from home, advancing to the next stage and reinforcing their dominance in cup meetings.[60] This encounter exemplified the derby's physicality, with Wetzlar's offensive output proving decisive despite Hüttenberg's home advantage. Due to the clubs' league separation, derbies in recent years have occurred in preseason, cup, and friendly formats. On January 24, 2025, during the 2024–25 season, the sides played to a 27:27 draw in a benefit friendly at Hüttenberg's Sportzentrum, where all proceeds supported youth handball cooperation between the clubs, drawing 1,150 fans and emphasizing community ties over competitive outcomes.[61] HSG Wetzlar then opened the 2025–26 preseason with a 30:26 win over TV Hüttenberg in the Linden-Cup on August 5, 2025, a result that boosted morale ahead of the Bundesliga without direct standings implications.[48] These derbies significantly enhance fan engagement in the Mittelhessen region, often attracting substantial crowds and media attention that transcend league standings.[62] The matches foster a sense of local pride, with sold-out arenas and charitable elements like the 2025 benefit game amplifying cultural resonance and strengthening supporter loyalty across both clubs' bases.[63]Current Team
Coaching and management staff
The coaching staff of HSG Wetzlar is led by head coach Momir Ilić, a 43-year-old Serbian who was appointed in May 2025, ahead of his originally scheduled start in July, following the dismissal of previous coach Frank Carstens. Ilić, who previously served as an assistant coach in the Bundesliga and has experience with the Hungarian national team, signed a two-year contract to guide the team through the 2025–27 seasons.[8] His appointment aimed to inject fresh tactical approaches amid the club's mid-table positioning in the Handball-Bundesliga.[64] Assisting Ilić is co-trainer Vladan Jordović, a 56-year-old Serbian coach who joined in April 2025 from his role at the Hungarian national handball center.[65] Jordović, with prior experience as an assistant for the Serbian national team and clubs like PICK Szeged, focuses on tactical development and player integration.[66] The athletic training is handled by Matthias Ott, who oversees fitness and conditioning programs for the squad.[67] On the management side, sporting director Jasmin Camdžić, a Bosnian-born expert in handball operations since 2010, manages player recruitment, youth development, and overall sporting strategy.[68] Camdžić, formerly a goalkeeper coach for the club and national teams, played a key role in Ilić's early appointment and the 2025 squad rebuild.[69] Administrative leadership is provided by managing director Björn Seipp, responsible for business operations, partnerships, and club finances since at least 2020.[70] Seipp has overseen financial stability during recent transitions, including license approvals for the 2025–26 season.[71] The structure emphasizes a collaborative model between sporting and administrative teams to support Bundesliga competitiveness.2025–26 squad roster
The 2025–26 squad of HSG Wetzlar features a balanced roster of 21 players, blending experienced international talent with young German prospects, as of November 2025. The team includes four goalkeepers and emphasizes depth in the backcourt and wings, with a total of twelve German nationals, three Croatians, two Egyptians, and others from various countries (including one each from the Netherlands, Qatar, Serbia, and Montenegro).[72]Goalkeepers
| No. | Player | Nationality | Date of Birth | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bart Ravensbergen | Netherlands | 14 March 1993 | 32 |
| 12 | Anadin Suljaković | Qatar | 16 June 1998 | 27 |
| 16 | Hendrik Pantel | Germany | 31 July 2006 | 19 |
| — | Karim Hendawy | Egypt | 1 May 1988 | 37 |
Backs (Rückraum)
| No. | Player | Nationality | Date of Birth | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Nikola Grahovac | Croatia | 14 December 1998 | 26 |
| 4 | Filip Vistorop | Croatia | 29 April 1998 | 27 |
| 7 | Dominik Mappes | Germany | 25 December 1994 | 30 |
| 17 | Noel Hoepfner | Germany | 6 April 2003 | 22 |
| 19 | Philipp Ahouansou | Germany | 2 May 2001 | 24 |
| 22 | Jona Schoch | Germany | 2 August 1994 | 31 |
| 25 | Justin Müller | Germany | 25 October 1995 | 30 |
| 29 | Niklas Theiß | Germany | 19 June 2003 | 22 |
| 42 | Nemanja Zelenović | Serbia | 27 February 1990 | 35 |
| 77 | Stefan Čavor | Montenegro | 3 November 1994 | 31 |
Wings (Außenspieler/Flügel)
| No. | Player | Nationality | Date of Birth | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Lukas Becher | Germany | 24 March 2000 | 25 |
| 20 | Cyrill Akakpo | Germany | 1 October 1997 | 28 |
| 24 | Tizian Weimer | Germany | 22 September 2004 | 21 |
| 50 | Lion Zacharias | Germany | 20 June 2003 | 22 |
| 79 | Ahmed Nafea | Egypt | 1 September 1997 | 28 |
Pivots (Kreisläufer)
| No. | Player | Nationality | Date of Birth | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Josip Šimić | Croatia | 10 May 2000 | 25 |
| 33 | Georg Löwen | Germany | 8 June 2004 | 21 |
Recent transfers
For the 2024–25 season, HSG Wetzlar bolstered its squad with several key additions, including Norwegian right back Viktor Norberg in December 2024, German line player Philipp Ahouansou and left back Dominik Mappes in July 2024.[73] Outgoing movements were more limited, with the club retaining much of its core while integrating these reinforcements to stabilize performance in the Handball-Bundesliga. The 2025–26 season marked a significant squad overhaul for HSG Wetzlar, with nine incoming players aimed at refreshing the roster amid several departures. Notable arrivals included Dutch goalkeeper Bart Ravensbergen from Frisch Auf Göppingen, Croatian left back Nikola Grahovac from One Veszprém HC, Egyptian left winger Ahmed Hesham Nafea from RK Vojvodina, and German goalkeeper Hendrik Pantel from THW Kiel's U19 team.[74] Other incomings comprised German talents Niklas Theiß from TV Hüttenberg, Josip Simic and Cyrill Akakpo from 1. VfL Potsdam, Filip Vistorop from ThSV Eisenach, and Tom Wolf from TUSEM Essen on second-team rights.[74] Outgoing transfers reflected a mix of contract expirations and loans, including Slovenian goalkeeper Domen Novak to SG Flensburg-Handewitt, Bosnian line player Vladimir Vranješ to Csurgói KK, and Danish pivot Rasmus Meyer Ejlersen to Ribe Esbjerg.[74] Additional departures were Hungarian right winger Zsolt Krakovszki to Györi ETO UNI FKC, German line player Marius Göbner to Stralsunder HV, Norwegian right back Viktor Petersen Norberg to HC Elbflorenz Dresden, and others such as Till Klimpke to HÖJ Elite and Ole Klimpke to HSG Dutenhofen/Münchholzhausen.[74] HSG Wetzlar's transfer strategy emphasized youth integration, with signings like the 19-year-old Pantel and local prospects Theiß and Akakpo to build long-term depth, alongside targeted acquisitions for immediate impact.[74] Mid-season adjustments addressed injuries, notably the September 2025 loan signing of 37-year-old Egyptian goalkeeper Karim Hendawy from Zamalek SC to cover for Ravensbergen's season-ending ACL tear.[10][75] These moves have contributed to a more balanced squad composition for the ongoing campaign.[74]| Category | Player | Position | From/To | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming 2025–26 | Bart Ravensbergen | GK | Frisch Auf Göppingen | July 2025 |
| Incoming 2025–26 | Hendrik Pantel | GK | THW Kiel U19 | July 2025 |
| Incoming 2025–26 | Karim Hendawy | GK | Zamalek SC (loan) | September 2025 |
| Incoming 2025–26 | Nikola Grahovac | LB | One Veszprém HC | July 2025 |
| Incoming 2025–26 | Ahmed Hesham Nafea | LW | RK Vojvodina | July 2025 |
| Outgoing 2025–26 | Domen Novak | GK | SG Flensburg-Handewitt | July 2025 |
| Outgoing 2025–26 | Vladimir Vranješ | LP | Csurgói KK | July 2025 |
| Outgoing 2025–26 | Zsolt Krakovszki | RW | Györi ETO UNI FKC | July 2025 |