VfL Wolfsburg have signed forward Fraser Hornby from SV Darmstadt 98 on a long-term contract until 2030, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Tuesday. The 26-year-old joins Wolfsburg following a successful season with Darmstadt in the 2. Bundesliga, where he scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in 25 appearances.
Hornby’s move comes after Wolfsburg’s relegation from the Bundesliga last season, finishing 14th and subsequently losing in the relegation play-off against Heidenheim. The club will be looking to the Scottish-born forward to spearhead their attack as they aim for an immediate return to the top flight. Sporting director Pirmin Schwegler highlighted Hornby’s “dynamism, technical quality, and personality” as key attributes that will benefit the team.
Schwegler also revealed that Wolfsburg faced competition for Hornby’s signature, with other Bundesliga clubs also expressing interest. The sporting director stated that Hornby’s clear preference for Wolfsburg was a significant factor in securing the deal. “How clear he was in his decision for VfL impressed us,” Schwegler said, adding that Hornby “could, for example, have moved to the Bundesliga.”
Hornby began his professional career with Rangers, progressing through their youth academy before making a handful of first-team appearances. He later moved to Northampton Town in 2018, then to Colchester United, before a spell in Belgium with KVC Westerlo. He joined Darmstadt 98 in January 2023 and quickly established himself as a key player, becoming vice-captain and a focal point in their attack.
Upon completing his move, Hornby expressed his excitement about joining Wolfsburg, stating he felt a strong connection with the club after visiting the facilities and speaking with staff. “From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to move here and that this is the next step in my career,” Hornby said. His arrival provides Wolfsburg with a proven goalscorer and a player familiar with the challenges of the 2. Bundesliga, potentially increasing their chances of promotion. The signing signals Wolfsburg’s intent to rebuild their squad following a disappointing season and mount a strong challenge for promotion.
