After club relegation New Zealand’s Sarpreet Singh is released in Germany

New Zealand international midfielder Sarpreet Singh has become a free agent following his release from German club Hansa Rostock. Singh, along with 13 other players, will be leaving the club after its relegation to the 3rd tier of German football, 3. Bundesliga.

Singh, 25, joined Hansa Rostock on a three-year contract in July 2023. However, the agreement included a clause allowing the club to terminate the contract if relegated to the third division. This clause has now been activated, ending Singh’s stint with the team earlier than anticipated.

In a formal announcement, Hansa Rostock revealed that 11 players would depart as their contracts expired, while three players, including Singh, had agreements ‘not valid for the third division’, The club’s director of professional football, Amir Shapourzadeh, expressed gratitude towards the departing players, stating, “We would like to thank all the players who are leaving FC Hansa this summer and wish them all the best for the future. After relegation to the 3rd division, a major personnel shake-up is unavoidable.”

Singh, who has 14 caps for the New Zealand national team, had hoped to rejuvenate his career in Germany after battling a long-term groin injury. He joined Hansa from Bayern Munich with aspirations of regular playing time and a fresh start. Unfortunately, Singh struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup and ended his season on a sour note with a red card and subsequent suspension following his goal against FC Schalke on May 11, 2024.

The Auckland-born midfielder’s season was marred by limited opportunities and an early end, compounding the challenges he faced in re-establishing himself in European football. His exclusion from the All Whites‘ squad for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu further highlights the difficult period he has endured.

As Singh navigates this transitional phase in his career, his future remains uncertain. Clubs in search of an experienced and dynamic midfielder will likely keep an eye on the New Zealand international as he explores new opportunities following his release from Hansa Rostock.