4 & 5) Niklas Sule and Sebastian Rudy: Hoffenheim to Bayern Munich
Hoffenheim have been the surprise package in the Bundesliga this season. Champions League spots are normally taken up by the big two (Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund) with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Schalke fighting it out for the other two spots.
But this year, Hoffenheim have lost only thrice – a record bettered only by the dominant Bayern side. Managed by 29-year-old Julian Nagelsmann, they have shocked the football world to climb up the table with a number of different formations employed.
21-year-old Niklas Sule is a key player in this squad as the centre-back can play either in a back-three or a back-four. Strong in the tackle and when blocking shots, Sule was also a threat in the attacking half with two goals and two assists. While he did show some regret having grown up at Hoffenheim, he was also looking forward to playing with Bayern.
His older and more experienced teammate Sebastian Rudy will also make the trip south to Munich – but on a free transfer. A midfielder by trade, the 27-year-old has also played as a right-back with two goals and six assists to his name.
“Sebastian Rudy joins us on a free transfer. In the case of Niklas Sule, we have reached a fair and serious agreement with TSG Hoffenheim.” – Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
