SC Freiburg are on the verge of completing a deal to sign defensive midfielder Yannik Engelhardt from Italian side Como 1907, according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Sacha Tavolieri.
The transfer fee is believed to be €8 million, with Freiburg successfully competing with a higher offer of €10 million from Club Brugge.
Engelhardt, 25, spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, making 26 appearances across all competitions for the Foals. He originally joined Como in August 2022 from Eintracht Braunschweig, becoming a key figure in their midfield as they secured promotion to Serie B and then to Serie A.
Freiburg have been active in the transfer market as they prepare for the 2026-27 Bundesliga season, demonstrating a clear intent to strengthen their squad. The acquisition of Engelhardt addresses a need in central midfield, providing competition and depth to Christian Streich’s options.
Club Brugge were reportedly very keen on securing Engelhardt’s signature, indicating the player’s growing reputation within European football. However, Freiburg’s persistent pursuit and seemingly appealing project ultimately swayed the player towards a return to the Bundesliga.
Como, recently promoted to Serie A, are undergoing a period of transition and rebuilding under new ownership. While losing a player of Engelhardt’s quality is a setback, the €8 million fee represents a significant profit on their initial investment and provides funds for further recruitment.
Engelhardt’s move to Freiburg offers him a platform to consistently play top-flight football and further develop his career in a competitive league. This transfer could solidify Freiburg’s midfield for years to come, contributing to their ambitions of challenging for European qualification.
