Sven Ulreich joins Hamburg from Bayern Munich
Goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has left Bayern Munich to join Bundesliga 2 outfit Hamburg on a three-year deal.
Ulreich, 32, spent five highly successful seasons at Bayern following his 2015 move from VfB Stuttgart, during which he won five Bundesliga titles, three DFB Cups and the 2020 UEFA Champions League.
However, the former Germany youth goalkeeper found playing time limited in Munich, making just 70 appearances, with Manuel Neuer the firm No.1 for the record champions. The recent addition of Alexander Nübel from Schalke also threw into doubt his position even as back-up.
“As a coach, the situation with three top goalkeepers was super – I had no problem at all,” said Bayern head coach Hansi Flick on the competition to be in goal. “Sven is an absolute professional and really helped the team. He showed 100 per cent professionality in every training session and was loved within the team.
“We’ll certainly miss him as a person and a player, which is why we wish him all the best at HSV and hope to see him again in the Bundesliga next season.”
It was that attitude that saw Ulreich named Bayern’s Player of the Season for 2017/18. It was the year he made the majority of his appearances (47) after Neuer missed most of the campaign with a foot injury. Under Jupp Heynckes, the Munich club won their sixth straight Bundesliga crown, reached the final of the cup and the semi-finals in Europe.
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"I have been in contact with HSV for the past few weeks," Ulreich explained. "I had a very good feeling and really wanted to make the move. I'm delighted Bayern agreed to the move yesterday and I’m now here at HSV. I’m a very loyal and ambitious player, and want to show that for HSV."
Ulreich joins a HSV side in its third straight season in Bundesliga 2 following their first-ever relegation from the top flight in 2017/18. The previous two saw the Bundesliga’s once only ever-present club finish just outside the promotion spots in fourth place.
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