Reports: Hertha captain Reese agrees move to VfL Wolfsburg

According to Bild-Zeitung, a transfer fee in the range of six to eight million euros is expected. Reese would thus become the second prominent departure from the Berlin squad in a short space of time, after 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn, who is set to move to Bayer Leverkusen for around nine million euros. Goalkeeper Tjark Ernst and Márton Dárdai are also considered likely to leave.

Hertha sporting director Pirmin Schwegler recently described Reese as an "interesting player" in a conversation with Sky. Schwegler was cautious in his comments, indicating the ongoing negotiations. Reese himself had addressed his future personally on the podcast 'Spielmacher – Fußball von allen Seiten', linking his desire for a Bundesliga move with private plans.

Statements and positions of those involved

Reese said there: "Fakt ist: Ich möchte eine Familie gründen. Ich möchte Bundesliga spielen. Ich habe einen sehr langen Vertrag und Hertha ist mein Verein." He also referred verbatim to the stated goal of promotion: "Das sagen wir jetzt seit drei Jahren. Das hat auch nicht funktioniert. Von daher sollten wir vielleicht nicht so viel darüber reden. Und einfach gute Arbeit leisten und dann darüber reden, wenn es realistisch ist."

The background on the Wolfsburg side is notable: VfL was relegated from the Bundesliga to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time this season and is now planning an immediate return. With a squad value of 215.10 million euros and 33 players in the squad, the Lower Saxony side has significantly greater financial resources than the Berlin club. Their most recent transfer was Jonas Adjetey; at Hertha, the most recent arrival was Josip Brekalo.

Situation at VfL Wolfsburg

According to information from Sky, Wolfsburg had already received verbal commitments weeks ago from Reese and his Hertha teammate Tjark Ernst, which were tied to the Wolfsburg side's survival in the top flight. Since staying up in the Bundesliga is no longer achievable, that condition would formally have lapsed – clearing the way for a move to the 2. Bundesliga.

Impact on Hertha BSC

In Berlin, the impending departure of the captain is likely to weigh heavily both sporting and financially. Reese is said to earn around 150,000 euros per month in Berlin; at the same time, the club faces a period in which further key players could leave. Julian Eitschberger (22), who made 28 appearances and scored two goals last season, has received an enquiry from Serie A, according to Transfermarkt.

If the transfer goes through as reported, Reese would in future play for a club that is planning a comprehensive squad overhaul following relegation. At Wolfsburg, immediate promotion back to the top flight is the explicitly stated goal for the season – a mission in which Reese, with his Bundesliga experience, could play a central role.

It remains to be seen how Hertha BSC intends to fill the gap in the squad. The Berlin coffers are described as "klamm"; a sale of Reese would bring short-term liquidity but at the same time represent a heavy sporting burden for the coming 2. Bundesliga season. Schwegler's comments also suggest that the club is not openly pushing the transfer but would likely accept it if the conditions are right.