FEATURE | Should Matthew Hoppe make a return to German football? | OneFootball

As reported by English media, United States international Matthew Hoppe has left Championship side Middlesbrough after having his contract terminated by mutual consent.

The 23-year-old first made a name for himself at then Bundesliga side Schalke 04 but has never quite lived up to expectation.

With his career seemingly in a lull, GGFN asks:

Should Matthew Hoppe make a return to German football?

During his time at S04, Hoppe scored 6 goals in just 15 Bundesliga starts back in 2021 and caught the attention of many European football fans.

However, it wasn’t enough to keep the Royal Blues in the league and the American was sold for €3.5m to La Liga outfit Mallorca that summer.

After just one season, the forward was on the move once again having only made five appearances for the club. His destination was England’s second tier with Middlesbrough.

A flurry of loan spells to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian and Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes followed with limited success.

The move clearly didn’t work out for Hoppe and has now agreed to have his contract terminated.

It’s clear that Hoppe was most comfortable in Germany and in particular, Schalke 04.

At only 23, Hoppe still has plenty of time to establish himself as a solid forward at a decent level, and it could be argued that the 2. Bundesliga may be the ideal location.

Hoppe is familiar with German football and boasts a good scoring recording in the top flight despite only starting 15 times.

A Reunion With Schalke?

Schalke are just finding their feet in the 2. Bundesliga after having a relegation scare last season and not exactly out of danger this campaign.

S04 possesses a solid goalscorer in Moussa Sylla who has netted 11 times in 16 matches. However, with interest from clubs abroad, Schalke could be tempted to sell for a healthy profit due to the club’s dire financial situation.

This could open the door for Hoppe’s return, but several factors would have to fall into place beforehand.

It’ll be interesting to see where the American international chooses for his next destination but you feel it has to be the right choice this time around. If not, he may not get another chance at a decent level.

With this in mind, perhaps a move to Germany is the safest bet?

GGFN | Jamie Allen