Overview
- Recent reports on June 21–22 say Samir Arabi has already brought in about five free transfers and is close to confirming Matthias Zimmermann as he starts reshaping the squad.
- Club chairman Alexander Jobst set a 3. Liga operating budget of €6–9 million, a target that forces a sharp reduction in annual wage and transfer spending.
- Fortuna has generated limited transfer income so far, with roughly €1 million reported from the Satoshi Tanaka sale, leaving Arabi to rely on player exits or other revenue to fund additions.
- A small group of young players carries outsized wages for their contribution, with Kilian Sauck reported to earn about €20,000 per month, under contract until 2029, and currently viewed as a priority to move on despite weak market interest.
- Several departures look likely or are reported as close—Sima Suso and Elias Egouli want to leave and Cedric Itten is reportedly near agreement with a Bundesliga club—which could free salary space but also risks thinning the squad as Arabi seeks cheap reinforcements.