The second half of Ron-Thorben Hoffmann’s season at Sunderland is far from what he would have been expecting and hoping for. After playing in 23 of the first 25 games since he moved on loan from Bayern Munich, the young goalkeeper has not played since the beginning of February.
He returned to Germany a couple of months ago for examinations and treatment after he struggled with the after effects of a positive Covid-19 test. Hoffmann has had to settle for a place on the bench upon his return as a result of the form shown by Anthony Patterson in his absence.
Although, in his most recent column with Kicker, the Champions League winner claimed he is determined to return to the team whilst revealing the clause in his loan contract. He said: “He [Alex Neil] has a different concept and I sit on the bench with my team-mate Leon Dajaku, with whom I came from Germany. Uff.
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“After the physical misery thanks to Corona, I now have to deal with a new situation. Everyone knows that in football in particular, only the here and now counts.
“Despite strong performances, there is currently no chance for me to get back into goal. It would have only taken two more games to 25 for the joint purchase option to take effect in the event of promotion and to play for SAFC in the long term.
“Such an experience is brutal, but it is part of the football business. How do I deal with it? Like every professional, I want to play. And I want to do that here, up in the north-east of England, at this legendary and, in a positive sense, 'crazy club'.”
The ‘crazy club’ Hoffmann refers to is clearly one that has already made a lasting impression on him. When alluding to the option to buy that seems to be present in his loan deal, it looks to be something that he is interested in pursuing in the summer, regardless of his situation.
Although, it does sound as though that option would only be triggered with promotion, even if he had played the required 25 games. There is, of course, still the chance of promotion but Sunderland must ensure they secure a play-off place before worrying about anything else.
Hoffman, who clearly wrote the column prior to Wycombe’s draw on Monday evening, believes his experience with Bayern Munich can be vital to the Black Cats’ promotion aspirations. He added: “We are currently in 6th place - which would qualify us for the play-offs. They brought me in so that, also with my experience from FC Bayern, I could help us to get promoted.
“This is my obligation. Our one-time fans in particular deserve that, because they are already ready for the Champions League.”
Those fans - that he evidently has a real admiration for – seem as though they would be happy for the club to agree a longer term deal for Hoffmann. That being said, whilst he remains second choice behind Patterson, he might be more interested in a move elsewhere if he could secure more game time.
He did, however, show earlier this season that he is more than good enough to be playing regularly in goal for Sunderland so it may be something that those in charge of recruitment at the Stadium of Light discuss in the summer.
