Maurides is about to say goodbye – interested parties from Poland and Türkiye!

Maurides is about to say goodbye – interested parties from Poland and Türkiye!

In the friendly against Drochtersen, which FC St. Pauli lost 0-1, a well-known player was missing: Maurides Roque Junior. The 31-year-old Brazilian, who previously played in the test against Firrel and celebrated a pleasing 10-0 win, was not in the squad this time. When asked, the club explained that he was fit but was currently working with a training group in Hamburg, which raised questions about his future. Picture reports from coach Alexander Blessin, who apparently no longer plans with Maurides and estimates his playing time for the coming season in St. Pauli to be rather limited.

Blessin praised Maurides' character and noted that he had improved physically compared to the previous year, when he competed overweight. However, the signs appear to be pointing to a farewell, with Maurides still having a year left on his contract and Blessin hinting that the player will have to consider his own options. According to that Hamburger Abendblatt Clubs from Poland and Turkey are now showing interest in Maurides, although there is a chance that he will go back to Poland. There he last played for Radomiak Radom and scored nine goals in 47 appearances.

A look at Maurides' career

But who is Maurides Roque Junior actually? Born on March 10, 1994, the center forward is an impressive 1.89 meters tall. He has played in several countries in his career so far: in China he scored two goals in 13 games, while he scored nine goals in 21 appearances for CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria. His time in Portugal was particularly successful, where he managed an impressive tally of 19 goals and eight assists in 77 games. Before coming to FC St. Pauli, he also gained important experience in Poland's first division, where he contributed four goals and four assists in 16 games.

At FC St. Pauli, Maurides wears number 9 and was described by sports director Andreas Bornemann as a physically robust striker with a lot of goal threat. In addition, interim head coach Fabian Hürzeler emphasizes that Maurides can hold onto the ball well and has the ability to put the opposition's defense under pressure.

The dynamics of the transfer market

With the current considerations surrounding Maurides, it is clear that the transfer market in football is still in constant change. During the active global transfer period, clubs can borrow, buy or sell players, although transfer fees can vary greatly. Transfers in the Premier League are particularly outstanding, with record-breaking spending of around 2.8 billion euros in the 2024/2025 season. The Bundesliga, which includes FC St. Pauli, experienced a transfer deficit this season, but the club remains committed to bringing talented players on board while expectations of Maurides are changing.

It may be a new chapter for Maurides and further developments will be followed with interest. Rumors of a move are growing and it remains to be seen whether the striker will soon continue his summer of football in a new jersey.