Striker Marvin Ducksch has informed Birmingham City of his wish to move on this summer, according to German newspaper Bild. The 32-year-old German, who joined Blues from Werder Bremen a year ago on a three-year deal, is said to have expressed his desire to transfer after publicly hinting at talks with other clubs last month.
Ducksch scored 11 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions in his first season at St Andrew's, finishing as the club's joint top scorer. However, he lost his starting place toward the end of the campaign as manager Chris Davies preferred the pairing of Jay Stansfield and August Priske.
Player's motivation and release clause
Bild reports that one of Ducksch's key motivations for seeking a move is the possibility of playing a bigger role elsewhere. The forward is keen to take on more responsibility and wants to be leading the way as a player. An agreement with Birmingham City is said to have already been reached, with the club not planning to stand in his way if he finds the right move.
Ducksch reportedly has a €1 million (approximately £860,000) release clause in his contract, but it is suggested he could even be allowed to depart on a free transfer if the right opportunity arises.
Ducksch confirms talks with clubs
During an appearance on German podcast At Broski – The Sports Show earlier this summer, Ducksch confirmed he is in talks with other clubs. "I'm definitely in talks with several clubs, including some in the Bundesliga. But it's still relatively early," he said. When asked about a possible return to the Bundesliga, he added: "I'm relatively open to that. But of course, if there's a club where I'm convinced by the whole concept, then I would definitely like to return to the Bundesliga or to Germany."
The two-time Germany international has already been linked with German clubs Augsburg and Hertha Berlin. Additionally, Bild reports "concrete interest" from Major League Soccer side Orlando City, who are said to be "exploring the possibility" of signing him. However, the indication is that Ducksch has not yet made up his mind about his next destination.
Injury and pre-season absence
Earlier this month, Ducksch left Blues' pre-season training camp in Portugal due to an injury. Manager Chris Davies commented: "Marvin is going to be a few weeks. He's picked something up out here and we've had to send him home to get him scanned. It looks like it's going to be a few weeks before he's back training." This injury absence may further accelerate his departure.
With Davies planning to develop the partnership between Stansfield and Priske next season, Ducksch's role at Birmingham appears diminished. The club seems willing to let him go, and a move in the coming weeks appears likely.
