Transfer: Darmstadt signs goal-dangerous Kehl from Osnabrück

Football club SV Darmstadt 98 has bolstered its squad by signing midfielder Lars Kehl from VfL Osnabrück. The 24-year-old joins the "Lilien" on a free transfer, just two days before the team's training camp is set to begin.

Darmstadt's sporting director, Paul Fernie, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting Kehl's offensive capabilities. "Lars is a player who radiates a lot of goal threat from the offensive midfield and can play the final pass. His impressive statistics from the past two seasons in Osnabrück also prove this," Fernie stated. Kehl was a significant contributor to Osnabrück's promotion to the 2. Liga last season, scoring eight goals and providing twelve assists in 36 league matches. The season prior, he added seven goals and six assists.

Fernie is confident that Kehl's strengths will integrate well into Darmstadt's playing style. "We are convinced that he will bring his strengths to our game and are pleased that he can start training with us immediately," he added. Kehl underwent his youth development at the SC Freiburg performance center, progressing through all youth teams and playing for Freiburg's second team in the 3. Liga before moving to Osnabrück in the summer of 2023.

Reflecting on his move, Kehl shared his thought process. "I have given a lot of thought to my future and the next step in my career in recent weeks. I quickly had the best feeling about Darmstadt because both the sporting perspective and the entire club appeal to me greatly here," Kehl said. His arrival is expected to enhance Darmstadt's attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming season in the 2. Liga.