Hoffenheim target Elversberg centre-back Lukas Pinckert | OneFootball

Sky Germany reports that TSG 1899 Hoffenheim are targeting SV Elversberg centre back Lukas Pinckert. The German second division side – having recently lost squad captain Robin Fellhauer to Augsburg – may be about to lose another key player. Elversberg narrowly missed out on promotion to the German top flight in this year’s playoffs. Pinckert just completed a strong season for his Saarland side.

The 25-year-old made 39 appearances across all competitions, in the process more than doubling his estimated market value from €600,000 to €1.5m over the course of the 2023/24 campaign. Sky notes that other German clubs are interested. Additionally, Elversberg have received inquires from Belgium and France.

Hoffenheim continue to try and shore up their defensive corps ahead of next season. Defensive midfielder Leon Avdullahu has been purchased from FC Basel for €10m while versatile Brazilian defender Bernardo arrived from VfL Bochum on a free.

The rumored purchase of Japanese centre-back Koki Machida was also wrapped up yesterday. The 17-times-capped Samurai international arrived in Sinsheim for a reported €4.5 transfer fee. Machida maintains a €11m estimated market value.

“In Koki Machida, we have found a center back who has exactly the qualities we were looking for in this position,” TSG sporting director Andreas Schicker noted in a club statement yesterday. “He has experience as a Japanese international and was a regular in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s championship-winning team last season. Koki is an uncompromising defender who doesn’t shy away from a tackle. He is also very strong in the air and has good [field] vision.“

”I am very happy that my transfer to TSG Hoffenheim has worked out,” Machida himself added. “TSG is an extremely exciting and ambitious club that plays in one of Europe’s top five leagues. For me, the move to Hoffenheim and the Bundesliga is the next step in my career and I honestly can’t wait to get started with my new teammates. I will definitely give everything to be successful with the team in the future.”

GGFN | Peter Weis