Borussia Mönchengladbach have confirmed the permanent transfer of Shio Fukuda to Karlsruhe SC and a loan deal for Jan Urbich to Eintracht Braunschweig. The moves were announced by the club on Friday, reshaping their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Fukuda, a 22-year-old striker, moves to Karlsruhe for a reported fee of €700,000, with Gladbach retaining a sell-on clause and a matching right should Karlsruhe seek to profit from his future development. The Japan international spent last season on loan in the 2. Bundesliga, scoring six goals in 20 appearances, demonstrating his potential at the second tier level. This permanent move offers Fukuda the opportunity to establish himself as a key player for Karlsruhe, who will be hoping his goalscoring form continues.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old forward Jan Urbich has signed a contract extension with Borussia Mönchengladbach, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2029, before immediately joining Eintracht Braunschweig on loan for the upcoming campaign. Urbich made his Bundesliga debut last season, but largely featured for Gladbach’s U-23 side in the Regionalliga, where he impressed with 14 goals. The loan move is designed to provide Urbich with regular first-team football and valuable experience in the 2. Bundesliga.
Eintracht Braunschweig manager Benjamin Kessel expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating that Urbich is “a complete number nine” who brings “presence in the box, depth, determination, and general activity when playing with the ball.” Kessel also highlighted Urbich’s physicality and dynamism, qualities Braunschweig were specifically seeking to add to their attack. The loan deal represents a significant opportunity for Urbich to prove his capabilities at a senior level and return to Gladbach a more seasoned player.
These moves indicate a strategic approach from Borussia Mönchengladbach to both generate transfer income and develop young talent, balancing immediate financial gains with long-term player development. The departures and loan arrangements will allow the club to assess the progress of both players while potentially strengthening their squad in the future.
