Hertha BSC kicked off the training camp with a decisive 15-0 win over sixth‑division side Frohnauer SC, yet coach Stefan Leitl stressed that the squad is still in the conditional. After just one week of intense preparation there are many unknowns: possible signings, unresolved departures and two offers for goalkeeper Tjark Ernst from Feyenoord Rotterdam and Celtic Glasgow.

Which players are still pending?

Leitl listed several names already on the transfer radar. Besides Linus Gechter, Julian Eitschberger and Marton Dardai, Tjark Ernst could take over the goal if one of the foreign clubs finalises a deal. At the same time the exit side remains hazy – "a few question marks" was the coach's wording, adding that the names are known but not yet confirmed. The situation mirrors the recent season, when Hertha BSC sought midfield reinforcements after the 6-1 loss to Arminia Bielefeld on 17 May 2026.

How does this affect the current league standing?

Hertha BSC currently sits on 7th place in the 2. Bundesliga with 51 points, compiled from 14 wins, 9 draws and 11 losses over 34 games. The team has scored 47 goals and conceded 44, a modest +3 goal difference. Despite these numbers, the club is 19 points behind leaders FC Schalke 04. The recent form (LWLLD) shows plenty of room for improvement, and the pending transfers could be decisive.

What does Leitl say about youth development?

Leitl praised the performance of the academy players who started the first half with six youngsters on the pitch. Nineteen‑year‑old Kian Todorovic netted three times, highlighting the U23 talent pool. "It's not set in stone that these players stay permanently," the 48‑year‑old manager explained, but emphasized the performance principle: young players must develop, yet be ready to make way when senior signings arrive.

What does this mean for the upcoming season?

Leitl plans to reserve four spots in the professional roster for young players to ease Berlin's tight finances. He also wants the squad to keep training at high intensity – "for the first nine days without a real day off, the physical component was already good," he noted. However, the open transfer questions remain, and the next weeks will reveal whether Hertha BSC can secure the desired reinforcements in the summer market.

Thus, Hertha BSC must not only solidify its current league position but also resolve the squad's open issues quickly to navigate the season with greater stability.