Overview
- Teams across divisions restarted training and headed for short warm‑weather camps, with VfL Bochum in Belek from January 4–11, Hertha BSC bound for Portugal and Preußen Münster set for a week in Murcia.
- VfL Bochum announced the signing of left‑sider Mikkel Rakneberg, Augsburg secured Jannik Keitel on loan from Stuttgart with a purchase option, and Tolga Özdemir completed a permanent move from VfL Bochum U21 to Oberliga side SV Schermbeck.
- Availability issues marked several restarts, including Werder Bremen absences due to illness and a canceled flight, 1860 Munich leaving Florian Niederlechner and others in Munich for rehab, and Schalke welcoming Zaid Tchibara back from a long‑term knee injury.
- HSV acknowledged ongoing talks over goalkeeper Daniel Peretz after he missed training, while transfer reporters said he completed a medical at Southampton, a move the club has not confirmed.
- Local competitions also advanced their winter plans as Witten’s indoor city championship finalized its groups, adding an extra qualifier after VfB Annen withdrew early.