In less than three weeks, the January transfer window will open, ushering in a whirlwind of speculation, rumors, and media drama. While the gossip often eclipses the actual business conducted during this period, one of the most intriguing yet underappreciated aspects of the window is the opportunity for clubs to secure players on pre-contract agreements.

A pre-contract allows a player to commit to joining a new club once their current contract expires. This mechanism, made possible by the landmark 1995 Bosman ruling, enables players and clubs to negotiate terms up to six months before a contract's expiration. With most European contracts running until June 30th, January 1st becomes a pivotal date for such negotiations, offering clubs the chance to plan ahead and snap up talent for the future without immediate transfer fees.

The futures of elite talents like Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Alphonso Davies will undoubtedly capture headlines during this period, but lower down the leagues, capitalizing on expiring contracts can be even more critical. For clubs operating under tight budgets and stringent financial constraints, the opportunity to secure quality players without paying transfer fees represents a major advantage.

This article highlights 10 underrated talents from Germany's second division who are entering the final six months of their contracts and will be eligible for pre-contract agreements starting January 1.

Silas Gnaka

Having started the last 30 consecutive 2. Bundesliga matches, FC Magdeburg will likely do everything in their power to secure Silas Gnaka on a long-term deal. However, for the 25-year-old Ivorian, next summer might be the perfect moment to take a long-awaited step into one of Europe’s top divisions.

Gnaka epitomizes the modern holding midfielder, blending elite physical attributes with technical excellence and progressive playmaking ability. His relentless energy makes him a constant presence in midfield, and on the ball, he embodies Magdeburg’s bold and imaginative style, consistently seeking out incisive, creative passes through the lines.

For over a year Gnaka has been one of the 2. Bundesliga’s standout midfielders, and his Belgian citizenship should further enhance his appeal. Particularly modest Ligue 1 clubs should pay close attention to this remarkably well-rounded 2. Bundesliga midfielder.

Rayan Philippe

Rayan Philippe is a name that might linger in the recesses of memory for those who recall his jaw-dropping exploits in the 2022/23 Luxembourg top flight. The Frenchman obliterated the BGL Ligue with an astonishing 32 goals and 26 assists in just 30 games.

His extraordinary performances for Swift Hesperange earned him a move to Eintracht Braunschweig, where—unsurprisingly—he hasn’t matched those otherworldly numbers. Nevertheless, he has demonstrated in the 2. Bundesliga that he can still pose a significant goal threat even against much stronger opposition.

In 40 matches, Rayan Philippe has registered 17 goals and 6 assists. It is a truly remarkable return considering he plays for one of the weakest sides in the league, which has managed only 16 goals in total this campaign.

What stands out about Philippe isn’t necessarily his finishing, but rather, his elite ability to create scoring opportunities. With dynamic pace, intelligent off-ball movement, and sharp positioning between lines, he excels at finding dangerous spaces and generating an extraordinary volume of chances in and around the penalty area.

While Philippe still has room to improve his composure and efficiency in decisive moments, his underlying attributes indicate he is more than ready to step up to a higher level. He has demonstrated that he has the necessary quality to play a key role for several top-flight teams, particularly those employing a dynamic, counter-attacking system of play.

Marcel Beifus

2024 has been a breakout year for Marcel Beifus at Karlsruher SC. The 22-year-old defender has risen from relative obscurity to become a cornerstone of one of the most unheralded promotion challengers in the 2. Bundesliga. The German U21 international has started 23 of KSC’s last 24 league matches, playing a pivotal role in a team that entered this December occupying a direct promotion spot.

First and foremost, Beifus stands out for his impressive physical profile. At 1.87m, he may not be among the tallest center-backs, but he compensates for these few missing centimeters with exceptional strength and agility. His robust and determined approach to duels makes him a commanding presence in defense, rarely being outmuscled even by the most experienced second-tier forwards.

On the ball, there’s room for improvement in terms of progressive passing and ball-playing ability. However, he offers consistency and composure in possession, fitting seamlessly into Eichner’s possession-based system. His passing accuracy—close to 90% this season—is a testament to his reliability and comfort under pressure.

Given his steady rise and the invaluable game time he’s enjoying at a club on the verge of promotion, extending his contract with KSC would seem like the logical step for Beifus to continue his development in a familiar setting. However, rival clubs might see an opportunity to exploit the uncertainty around his future. While Beifus may need another couple of seasons to be fully prepared for top-flight football, his contractual situation could make him an appealing target for more established and lucrative 2. Bundesliga clubs looking to bolster their defensive ranks for next season.

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Jean-Luc Dompé

At 29, Jean-Luc Dompé is no longer a rising star of French football, but the HSV winger remains a game-changing talent capable of being a decisive factor on his day.

No player in this year’s 2. Bundesliga possesses the same dynamism and 1v1 dribbling ability as the Valenciennes academy graduate. Dompé's creativity in beating defenders—whether cutting inside or driving down the flank—is a nightmare to defend against, and his explosive stepovers, executed with world-class precision, make him nearly unplayable in the right moments.

With such raw talent, Dompé has the requisite tools where he should be competing well above second-tier football at the peak of his career. However, inconsistency, a modest goal output, and limited defensive contributions have held him back. Dompé often oscillates between moments of brilliance and frustration, and despite his obvious quality, a return of just 11 goals in 72 HSV appearances is far below the level his talents would suggest.

Given his substantial salary and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Hamburg’s promotion hopes, it’s unsurprising that his contract situation remains unresolved. Hamburg will undoubtedly want to keep him, but not at any cost—creating an opportunity for interested clubs when the January window opens. While teams from Europe’s top five leagues may hesitate due to his age and erratic performances, a strong club in Belgium, the Netherlands, or Eastern Europe could offer an appealing package for a player with Dompé’s flair and untapped potential.

Tim Lemperle

As far as second Bundesliga strikers go, there are few more in-demand prospects than Tim Lemperle. The 22-year-old Köln forward has been electrifying this season, tallying 8 goals and 4 assists in just 15 starts.

Standing at 1.87m, Lemperle’s natural progression points toward a future as a center-forward, however, he nevertheless retains many characteristics of a traditional winger. Lemperle embodies exceptional ball carrying, skillful control, and dribbling prowess, making him a versatile and unpredictable threat who can seamlessly move across attacking positions in the final third.

While his aerial game and physical robustness still require refinement, his current skill set and enormous potential should be enough to draw interest from clubs across Europe. At the moment it appears like TSG Hoffenheim are in pole position, likely leveraging their tight relationship with ROGON and its clients, but that shouldn’t dissuade other clubs across the continent taking a keen interest in one of the most multi-dimensional striking talents in German football.

Phil Neumann

Hannover 96 find themselves in third place, firmly in contention for a long-awaited return to the Bundesliga after being relegated in 2019. Promotion would not only be a significant milestone for one of Germany's most passionately supported clubs, but it could also prove crucial in retaining a talented squad that risks disbanding without the attraction of topflight football. Among these key players on the verge of an exit is standout defender Phil Neumann.

At 27, Neumann is entering his prime, and his performances this season make a compelling case for his readiness for a topflight move. Standing at an imposing 1.92 meters, Neumann combines aerial dominance with surprising mobility and dynamism.

While teammate Marcel Halstenberg often takes the spotlight with his exceptional ball-playing abilities, Neumann's contributions in possession should not be overlooked. He consistently demonstrates his value with precise long-range switches of play and effective ball carries, using his dynamic pace to drive the ball upfield with purpose.

Neumann's well-rounded profile is likely to attract interest from clubs across Europe. A move to a modest Bundesliga side appears to be the natural next step, but his skill set could also make him an asset for ambitious Championship teams looking to mount a Premier League push.

Dominik Kother

It’s been a challenging season for Dominik Kother and Jahn Regensburg. Die Rothosen sit at the bottom of the table with just eight points, while Kother has managed only one goal and one assist in nearly 1,000 minutes of action.

Adapting to the demanding standards of this 2. Bundesliga campaign has been tough for both the club and the player. However, while Regensburg appears destined for a return to the 3. Liga, Kother has shown enough flashes of quality to extend his stay beyond this season.

Kother’s standout 3. Liga season is a testament to his potential. In 37 matches he contributed 10 goals and 11 assists, while in the two-legged playoff against Wehen Wiesbaden he stole the show with 2 goals and 2 assists across 172 minutes. His performances reportedly drew Bundesliga interest in the summer, though no transfer materialized, leaving Kother to begin the final year of his contract with Regensburg.

Although his output has dipped, Kother remains an exciting attacking threat on a team that has scored just five goals in 15 matches. His ability to drive the ball through midfield at high speed, paired with exceptional directional changes and sharp body feints, highlights his dynamism and flashes of raw quality. These interesting traits suggest he has the potential to thrive in a new environment in the second Bundesliga. Numerous clubs should see him as a valuable addition who would likely start an impactful option off the bench with the potential to develop into a regular starter in time.

Max Brandt

Max Brandt has experienced a meteoric rise over the past two and a half years, playing a pivotal role in SSV Ulm’s consecutive promotions from the German fourth tier to the second division. At just 23 years old, Brandt has established himself as an indispensable part of Thomas Wörle’s system, with his relentless box-to-box energy and dynamism integral to Ulm’s high-intensity style of play.

Brandt operates as the engine room of Ulm’s midfield. He drives possession forward with powerful, surging ball carries, and recovers play through aggressive and well-timed tackles. Even as a goal threat, Brandt displays intriguing qualities for a central midfielder. While he has yet to convert any of his 16 shots this season, he consistently finds himself in dangerous finishing positions, frequently forcing saves and creating rebound opportunities for his teammates.

However, in possession-heavy systems Brandt could be shown his limits as he can appear rushed and uncomposed during build-up phases and prolonged spells on the ball. Still, his overall profile is compelling enough to suggest a bright future in the 2. Bundesliga beyond this season.

With Ulm currently hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference, Brandt could become an attractive target for more stable second-division clubs planning for the season ahead. A pre-contract offer guaranteeing a secure 2. Bundesliga future might be too tempting for the young midfielder to pass up.

Budu Zivzivadze

Georgian players are swiftly emerging as some of the most coveted talents in European football, with this small Eastern European nation capturing the spotlight after reaching the knockout stages in their debut European Championships.

The dazzling dribbling of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the clinical finishing of Georges Mikautadze, and the heroic saves of Giorgi Mamardashvili captivated fans across the continent. Yet, there is one unsung hero who played a pivotal role in making Georgia’s dream summer in Germany possible but never received the recognition he deserved.

Budu Zivzivadze, a 30-year-old striker for Karlsruher SC, saw just 17 minutes of action at EURO 2024. However, his vital brace against Luxembourg in the playoff semi-finals was the turning point that secured Georgia’s historic qualification and set the stage for their fairytale run.

It is almost a microcosm of Zivzivadze himself; a pure goalscorer whose exploits rarely garner the recognition they deserve. In 15 appearances this season Zivzivadze has already registered 9 goals, while last season, Zivzivadze also contributed with an impressive 12 goals in 1,333 minutes.

At 30-years-old it is unlikely to expect another major step in Zivzivadze’s career, but it does bear repeating just how much quality the KSC forward can bring to matches. He is an excellent two-footed finisher, can compete in the air with a 1,89m frame, and is very underrated for his skillfulness and tight ball manipulations which fashion shooting chances in the smallest of spaces.

In many ways Zivzivadze reminds me of another former 2. Bundesliga talent: Joel Pohjanpalo. Like the Finnish international, I think Zivzivadze too could be an interesting late-bloomer for many modest Serie A clubs searching for a cheap alternative on a pre-contract agreement.

Daniel Kyerewaa

With just 317 minutes of action this season, Daniel Kyerewaa has yet to make a significant impact in the 2. Bundesliga. However, the German-Ghanaian youngster possesses immense potential, with talent that could flourish under the right circumstances.

The 23-year-old shares similarities with Feyenoord’s promising Antoni Milambo. While Kyerewaa boasts the pace, dynamism, and flair traditionally associated with wide forwards, his physical robustness and vision for incisive passes have seen him primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder throughout his career. This rare blend of technical skill and athletic dynamism makes him a compelling profile, even if his opportunities in a struggling Preußen Münster side have been limited.

Signing Kyerewaa is undoubtedly a gamble for any club. The Fortuna Düsseldorf academy product has yet to establish himself as a prolific contributor at the senior level, recording just three goals and three assists in 48 appearances for Münster. However, his raw quality and unique skill set make him a low-risk, high-reward option on a free transfer. Within Germany, a club like Eintracht Braunschweig could provide a setting for Kyerewaa to thrive, or alternatively, smaller clubs in the Eredivisie or Belgian Pro League might find him an intriguing addition with the potential to grow into a standout player.

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