ESPN is reporting U.S. international Fabian Johnson will leave Hoffenheim on a free transfer in this summer.
“We’ve fought for Fabian’s signature since the summer, but he has decided to leave us,” Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol told a news conference ahead of the trip to Freiburg.
The 26-year-old Johnson joined Hoffenheim in 2011 and has since made 70 league appearances for the club, scoring four goals and adding nine assists. The full-back come midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Borussia Moenchengladback and Hertha Berlin.
Since his call-up to the US Men’s National Team in 2012, Johnson has won 18 caps for the Yanks. A key component to America’s hopes in the 2014 World Cup, Johnson’s intent to leave the Baden-Wurttemberg club raises question marks as to whether he’ll be afforded the requisite playing time to ensure he’s ready for June.
Head coach Jurgen Klinnsmann has repeatedly stated he wants his players to be playing consistently as the tournament approaches but with the transfer window now closed, the possibility of loaning Johnson to a club of interest has sailed.
Johnson is currently nursing a broken hand suffered in Hoffenheim’s 4-0 loss at Nuernberg on January 25th.
