Karlsruhe striker Fabian Schleusener set for summer exit as contract expires
Karlsruher SC striker Fabian Schleusener will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to reports from Germany. The 34-year-old forward’s impending departure was noted during the broadcast of Karlsruhe’s 3-1 defeat to Hannover 96 on Saturday, a match in which Schleusener scored his side’s only goal.
Schleusener’s first-half equalizer against Hannover was his tenth goal of the 2.Bundesliga campaign, making him only the second Karlsruhe player to reach double figures this season alongside captain Marvin Wanitzek. Despite his consistent contribution, the veteran striker is now set to become a free agent, opening the door for a move in the summer transfer window.
The former Dynamo Dresden and SV Sandhausen forward joined Karlsruhe in 2021 and has been a reliable source of goals, netting 28 times across all competitions during his tenure. His potential availability on a free transfer is likely to attract interest from other clubs within Germany’s second tier, particularly those seeking experienced attacking options without a transfer fee.
For Karlsruhe, the decision not to renew Schleusener’s contract signals a potential shift in squad planning under manager Christian Eichner. The club, which currently sits mid-table, may look to rebuild its attacking line with younger alternatives during the upcoming transfer period. Schleusener’s departure, alongside the ongoing speculation surrounding Wanitzek’s future, could necessitate a significant offensive overhaul.
The news comes amid a challenging period for Karlsruhe, whose loss to Hannover saw them slip to ninth place in the 2.Bundesliga table, effectively ending their own faint promotion aspirations while boosting Hannover’s. Schleusener’s confirmed exit adds another layer of transition for a club that will now need to plan for life without one of its most productive players.
