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Hannover 96 traditional keeper Zieler returns to Cologne!
Ron-Robert Zieler is leaving Hannover 96 and moving to 1. FC Köln. A new goalkeeper is being sought for the coming season.
Hannover 96 traditional keeper Zieler returns to Cologne!
A familiar face is leaving the second division: Ron-Robert Zieler is moving from Hannover 96 to 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga. The 36-year-old goalkeeper has decided to return to his hometown and is expected to challenge Marvin Schwäbe, who shone as the starting goalkeeper last season. This transfer marks the end of a long era for Zieler, who played 382 competitive games for Hannover 96 in eleven years and led the club in the role of captain.
According to [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/sport/fussball/Zweite-Bundesliga-Hannover-96- Zieler,zieler-138.html), Zieler extended his contract with Hannover until 2026 in January 2025, but the longing for Bundesliga football was apparently stronger. The decision to return to Cologne follows the demands of Hannover 96's new coach, Christian Titz, who is looking for a keeper who can play with him - an aspect that doesn't really fit with Zieler's style of play.
A look back at the career
Ron-Robert Zieler was born on February 12, 1989 in Cologne and began his footballing career at SCB Preußen Köln before moving to the academy of 1. FC Köln. He later moved to Manchester United, where he refined his goalkeeping skills to a higher level. Zieler made his debut for the German national team in 2011 and was part of the World Cup team that triumphed in Brazil in 2014. After stints with Hannover, Leicester City and Stuttgart, he returned to Hannover in 2019.
According to yahoo.com, the move to Cologne is already at an advanced stage, although Zieler's exact role remains unclear. He could be number two behind Schwäbe. Those responsible in Cologne signed several players in the last transfer period, but also had to cope with a few departures, including Tim Lemperle and Dejan Ljubicic.
The future of Hannover 96
Zieler's departure represents a major challenge for Hannover 96. Managing director Marcus Mann described Zieler as the defining face of the club. The search for a new goalkeeper has already begun. Nahuel Noll from TSG Hoffenheim is currently being considered as a potential successor. Noll could perhaps go out on loan again after extending his contract with Hoffenheim.
The DFL has already published the game plans for the upcoming 2025/2026 second division season, which begins on the first weekend in August. With Zieler in the ranks of 1. FC Köln and the new goalkeeper search at Hannover 96, an exciting time is entering a new phase for both clubs. After all, football is always a place for new stories and challenges.
The move opens up a new opportunity for Zieler, and fans will be excited to see how this return will impact the league and the teams.