{
  "id": 165529,
  "title": "SV Darmstadt 98 2026/27 season preview: Transfers, pre-season, predicted lineup & predictions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/sv-darmstadt-98-2026-27-season-preview-transfers-pre-season-predicted",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sv-darmstadt-98-2026-27-080000442.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SV Darmstadt 98 are looking to return to the Bundesliga for the third consecutive season under manager Florian Kohfeldt. The team's attack, featuring Isac Lidberg, Fraser Hornby, and new signing Ho-jae Lee, looks to be a significant upgrade from last season's duo. Darmstadt finished fifth in their debut Bundesliga season, and the coaching staff aims to capitalize on their improved performance.\n\nTransfer activities have been minimal so far, with Darmstadt only spending around €500k on Ho-jae Lee from Pohang Steelers. The departure of key players Isac Lidberg and Fraser Hornby leaves gaps to be filled, but young talent arrives in Lars Kehl and Noah Weißhaupt.\n\nPre-season preparations have been strong, with Darmstadt scoring 24 goals in their first four friendlies. The 1.92-meter striker Lee, playing as a center-back, is expected to be the main focal point in attack, with midfield partnership between Hiroki Akiyama and Kai Klefisch. The team could experiment with a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 formation.\n\nThe predicted starting lineup includes Schuhen in goal, with a midfield partnership of Akiyama and Klefisch, while Kohfeldt considers different systems. Defensive reinforcements may be needed if Matej Maglica departs.\n\nThe opening fixture will be against Holstein Kiel at home, followed by a visit to Dynamo Dresden. A DFB-Pokal match against Schalke is also on the agenda. Kohfeldt's side will close the season with a game against Osnabrück at Volkswagen Arena.",
  "summary": "SV Darmstadt 98 are targeting a return to Bundesliga football in their third season under Florian Kohfeldt. However, the completely new-look attacking line could find it hard to replicate the form of ...",
  "key_points": [
    "SV Darmstadt 98 aim to return to Bundesliga for third consecutive season.",
    "New signing Ho-jae Lee joins from Pohang Steelers for €500k.",
    "Pre-season scoring 24 goals in first four friendlies."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}