Hoffenheim allow U.S. talent Che to depart

Michael Pfeifer of Germany’s preeminent footballing publication reports that TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have opted to give up on young American talent Justin Che. 

Once a hotly traded commodity of the FC Bayern München campus, 19-year-old defensive talent Justin Che has not developed along the lines hoped for by his current German club. The FC Dallas academy product – after making some late season appearances for Sebastian Hoeneß’ Hoffenheim last year – has been unable to crack the matchday squads of recent TSG trainers André Breitenreiter and Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Che, currently on loan from Dallas, was given a professional contract along with fellow youth prospect Umut Tohumcu in January. Whereas Tohumcu has featured in twelve matchday squads and made seven appearances, however, Che only received two squad nominations and made just one brief appearance against Leipzig in the Pokal.

Michael Pfeifer of Germany’s Kicker Magazine reports that Che has already left Sinsheim in order to join the USA U-20 side ahead of the coming U-20 World Cup. Hoffenheim will not exercise their purchase option on the teenage talent. Che’s extended loan, which expires at the end of the season, is thus prematurely over.

Che maintains an estimated market worth of €2 million in the latest transfermarkt listings. The native Texan made 18 appearances for the TSG reserves in the southwestern Regionalliga. As of yet, there is no information as to what his MLS parent club plans for him next.

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