Fulham are in talks to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Rocco Reitz as Marco Silva looks to inject fresh energy into his squad.
The German U21 international has impressed with his sharp passing, pressing, and box-to-box ability — and Fulham are eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Joao Palhinha.
Reitz Impressing in Germany and Europe
Reitz made 37 appearances in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, scoring six times and helping Gladbach reach the DFB Pokal quarter-finals.
Now 22, Reitz trained with the German senior side ahead of Euro 2024 and continues to feature in Germany’s U21 squad — recently starring in a thrilling comeback against England in the European Championship final.
“Rocco’s maturity and intensity make him ideal for Premier League football,” said a source close to the player.
Release Clause Sparks Premier League Interest
Reitz’s £17m release clause activates in July, and Fulham aren't alone in the chase. West Ham are also monitoring the situation.
Silva, however, is keen to move quickly. Fulham's midfield lacked bite at times last season, and a younger, mobile option like Reitz fits the mould the club are now targeting.
Palhinha Return Unlikely but Midfield Remains Priority
While Fulham remain hopeful of a return for Joao Palhinha, who joined Bayern Munich last summer, any deal would depend heavily on wages and structure.
The Cottagers are therefore casting a wider net — and Reitz appears high on their list of targets.
Rocco Reitz – Borussia M’gladbach 2024/25 Stats (All Competitions)
| Stat | 2024–25 Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 27 |
| Minutes Played | 1,841 |
| Goals Scored | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Tackles Won | 151 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 38 |
| Passes Completed | 681 |
Analyst Verdict
Rocco Reitz may not be a headline-grabbing name, but his profile suits Fulham’s evolving midfield puzzle. With Joao Palhinha ageing and Silva looking for younger legs with high pressing intensity, Reitz's work rate, Bundesliga experience, and positional discipline make him a sensible, long-term bet. At £17m, he's a low-risk, high-upside move — especially if Bayern demand a premium for Palhinha’s return.
Key Insights
- Rocco Reitz made 27 appearances for Gladbach in 2024/25, playing 1,841 minutes.
- His £17m release clause activates in July — Fulham and West Ham are circling.
- Marco Silva is also exploring a return for Joao Palhinha, but finances may block it.
- Reitz has already trained with Germany’s senior squad and remains one of the Bundesliga's most efficient under-23 ball-winners.
What’s Next?
Fulham will continue talks with Gladbach this week and could trigger Reitz's clause before pre-season begins. If Palhinha remains out of reach, Reitz could be Fulham's midfield centrepiece for the 2025/26 rebuild.
Should Fulham go all in for Reitz, or push harder for a Palhinha return?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 29 Jun 2025 07:15
This feels like every other window that TK has been involved in. Rumour after rumour and nothing happens. I see Sunderland have just bought a player we were targeting. They just put their hand in their pocket and did it. Marco must be getting totally frustrated by now. Fulham still haven’t sorted out the Tete and Cairney situations yet. Should have been done before the window opened and Muniz should have been offered a longer contract.
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