Out of sight, out of mind? It is precisely this phenomenon that we want to counteract with our “What is he doing?” » and show you every week what one or two old German acquaintances are doing.
Many professionals often miss the right time to end their career. Admir Mehmedi, who played for Freiburg, Wolfsburg and Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, seemed aware of this danger when he ended his professional career this summer at just 32 years old. The Swiss approached the end of his career – which many professionals also lack – with anything but a plan: in his farewell post on Instagram, Mehmedi wrote that after completing his studies in sports management, he was planning to start coaching training soon.
A few months later, the ex-Breisgauer has already found a new job. But not as a coach, but as a sports director. The 76-time Swiss national player takes over in his country from second division club FC Schaffhausen, currently in last place in the standings. In practice, Mehmedi still knows from his active career what the relegation battle means.
In 2015, the attacking player was involved in Freiburg’s eventual relegation under Christian Streich before moving to Leverkusen and Wolfsburg. Mehmedi flourishes again, especially under Bruno Labbadia. In 2022, he then joined Antalyaspor in Turkey, where he finished his career in August.
Tanguy Coulibaly failed to make his big breakthrough in Stuttgart. Many VfB fans will at least remember his performance in the 5-1 win over Dortmund in the 2020/21 season. The Frenchman scored a goal and was particularly impressive with his speed. He made a total of 74 appearances between 2019 and 2023.
Although he also provided impetus in the relegation battle last season and Stuttgart wanted to extend the contract with him, the two parties ultimately failed to reach an agreement. According to ‘bw24’, Coulibaly wanted more playing time and more salary, the Swabians saw him more as an additional player.
The right winger has been without a club since the summer, but has now found a new club. The 22-year-old has signed a contract with French premier division club HSC Montpellier until 2026. He will make his debut in Ligue 1 for the first time after never progressing beyond PSG’s youth teams .
Cologne could really use their goals in the relegation battle. But instead of the gray everyday life of the Bundesliga, Yuya Osako opted for the Japanese premier league. A very good decision, because he just celebrated the championship with Vissel Kobel and was voted the most valuable player of the season.
With 22 goals in 34 games, the offensive player played a key role in Vissel Kobel’s first championship. “I am very happy to be involved in Vissel Kobe’s first victory in the J-League and to be part of this wonderful story,” Osako told club media (quote via ‘kicker’).
The 33-year-old has already set himself a goal for the coming season: « I will continue to work hard and try to win these awards again next year. » Let’s see if the former Cologne and Bremer player can achieve this. next season can be better.
