(by Steve Hopkins)
On the same day that they won a big Semifinal match to advance to the Champions League Finals, even bigger news was released for Saarbrucken. During the third match of the day, the official transfer reports indicated that Olympic Champion Fan Zhendong has signed with FC Saarbrucken. An official announcement has not yet been made, so fans will have to wait a few more days to find out if Fan Zhendong will play for the Champions League Team only or for both the Champions League and Bundesliga squads. That said, Fan posted a quote that stated he is “really looking forward to the new challenge in Saarbrucken and in the TTBL”. Early indications are that Fan plans to play in the German league – so we may see a lot of him when the new TTBL season starts in August.
There have been former No. 1 players in the German league before, but this is arguably the most significant signing in Bundesliga history. Fan Zhendong has taken a hiatus from international competition, but in the most recent season he was one of the most successful players in the most recent Chinese Super League, and last Summer he was ranked second in the World and won the Gold Medal at the Olympic Games. This is an elite player, in his prime, who could raise the level of Saarbrucken even further.
For Saarbrucken, they are on the verge of a ETTU Champions League championship, and the addition of a new No. 1 player should help keep the team at an elite level, and should help each of their players excel as well. Having a great teammate isn’t just an opportunity to watch a great player up close, it is also an opportunity to train with that player, and to see what they do to prepare and to perform at their best.
Right now, Saarbrucken has Truls Moregard, Patrick Franziska, and Darko Jorgic. As these leagues only use three singles players, its unclear as to whether these top players will take turns or if one will be leaving the team next year. But for now, fans will watch the “old” roster vie for a championships – while eagerly awaiting the arrival of Fan Zhendong and the promises of even greater things in the near future.
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