Fabian Reese leaves Hertha BSC captaincy for VfL Wolfsburg

Fabian Reese, captain of Hertha BSC and the club's most important attacking player, left Berlin in the summer of 2026 to join VfL Wolfsburg. Wolfsburg announced the signing on a Wednesday evening, and Hertha confirmed the departure in a club statement. The winger, then 28, signed a contract running until 2030.

The move came after Wolfsburg were relegated from the Bundesliga, so both clubs now play in the second division. An earlier approach had reportedly fallen through after the drop, and Reese was said to want a top-flight club. The transfer was eventually completed anyway. German media reported a fee of roughly six to eight million euros, though no official figure was given.

Many Hertha fans reacted with anger, as Reese had long been a symbol of the club. He faced criticism and abuse on social media and deactivated his Instagram account. He also apologised to Hertha supporters. The transfer set up an emotionally charged return to Berlin once the two clubs met in the league.