- Sought-after Talent: Maxim Hessel (20) is reportedly the focus of up to eight clubs from the top two divisions.
- Interested Parties: In addition to Dynamo Dresden, Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart is specifically mentioned.
- Performance Data: The center-back has already scored seven goals in 20 matches during the current season.
- Contract Situation: Hessel is under contract in Jena until 2027, which guarantees a transfer fee.
Jena. It is news that is likely to cause mixed feelings in the Paradies: On one hand, it confirms the excellent youth development and the current success of FC Carl Zeiss Jena; on the other, it fuels fears of losing a key player. The 20-year-old center-back Maxim Hessel has played his way into the notebooks of higher-tier scouts with strong performances in the Regionalliga Nordost. Above all, VfB Stuttgart is said to have an eye on the defensive talent.
From Fourth-Division Defender to Bundesliga Candidate?
As current reports suggest, the Bundesliga club from Swabia belongs to a circle of up to eight clubs showing interest in signing Hessel. Third-division side Dynamo Dresden is also mentioned in the rumor mill. For FC Carl Zeiss Jena, which currently ranks second in the Regionalliga Nordost table behind Lokomotive Leipzig, this attention is both a blessing and a curse.
Hessel, who according to Transfermarkt.de currently has a market value of around 125,000 euros, has undergone remarkable development this season. Not only stable in defense, he has particularly distinguished himself through his goal-scoring threat: Seven goals in 20 matches is a rate many strikers dream of, and it is extraordinary for a center-back.
Potential and Hurdles
A jump from the fourth division directly into the Bundesliga would be massive. Experts point out that Hessel would likely not be intended for the first team at VfB Stuttgart immediately. The Swabian squad is broad and high-quality in central defense with established professionals like Jeff Chabot, Dan-Axel Zagadou, or Ameen Al-Dakhil. A transfer would more likely be seen as an investment in the future—a model that is common practice at top clubs: Young talents are secured to be carefully developed or potentially loaned out immediately to gain match practice at a higher level.
Various examples in German professional football have shown in the past that such jumps are possible. However, the physical and tactical requirements between Regionalliga and Bundesliga remain far apart.
Contract Situation Plays into Jena’s Hands
Should the interest materialize, FC Carl Zeiss Jena sits in a comfortable position at the negotiating table. Since Maxim Hessel still has a valid contract until the summer of 2027, he cannot leave the club on a free transfer. In the event of a move, Jena could therefore demand financial compensation, which would be very welcome for the club in its current phase.
For the fans at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, the hope remains that Hessel will at least finish the current season in the blue-yellow-white jersey and help achieve the sporting goals. Whether he takes the big step after that remains to be seen.
We will stay on top of the development and report as soon as the rumors intensify.
Sources:
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Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.