Resurgent Turkish centre-back Ozan Kabak (25) likely to remain with Hoffenheim despite Premier League interest

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Kicker reports that resurgent Hoffenheim centre-back Ozan Kabak is leaning towards remaining with his current Bundesliga club. The Ankara-native has mostly called Germany home since joining Stuttgart on an €11m transfer in January 2019. Since then, the 26-times-capped international outfit has also played for Schalke and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. Kabak, per Kicker, is in the process of obtaining German citizenship. 

The physically robust and highly talented central defender was once considered a €35m-valued player. Kabak also assembled Premier League experience during loan stints with Liverpool and Norwich City in 2021 and 2022. As Kabak finally looks to be fit again after missing the entire 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign with injury, there are plenty of Premier League clubs interested in picking him up on a free transfer after his current Hoffenheim contract expires.

How is Ozan Kabak’s comeback proceeding?

Kabak very much looks like the player Bundesliga journalist recall when he was at the peak of his powers. Another goal in this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Köln gives Kabak four league tallies this season. Kabak has started five consecutive Bundesliga matches under Hoffenheim head coach Christian Ilzer and scored in the last two. His defensive play has been nothing short of immaculate. 

Kabak also scored four Bundesliga goals in the 2023/24 campaign; his last full season before a brutal ACL tear sidelined him for the entirety of last year. Even before he became a regular goal-scoring threat, however, Kabak was always highly regarded as an exceptional defender. This aspect of Kabak’s game appears to be at its highest level since his “peak form” days in 2022. 

Are Hoffenheim serious about re-signing Kabak?

Prior to last week, re-signing Kabak constituted a lower level priority for club management. The TSG front office first wished to get Vladimir Coufal signed beyond the season. Now that Coufal’s new deal has been officially confirmed, Hoffenheim must make a decision on the future of venerated “club man” Andrej Kramaric, who is also due to depart on an expiring contract once the season concludes. 

Kabak and his professional representation remain unrestricted when it comes to negotiating a free transfer to another club. The 25-year-old can theoretically opt to move abroad at any time. The fact the Kabak currently seeks German naturalization still points to a longer stay in Kraichgau. A chance to participate in Champions League football with his current club naturally also factors into the player’s thinking. 

GGFN | Peter Weis