1. FC Heidenheim has transferred centre-back Benedikt Gimber to FC Granada. The 29-year-old moves to the Spanish second-division side for a low six-figure fee and signed a contract until the summer of 2028.
Gimber has already passed his medical with Granada, and the club officially confirmed the completion of the deal. The defender had been part of the 1. FC Heidenheim squad since 2023 and now leaves the club after three years. For Heidenheim, the departure represents a further weakening of defensive ranks already described as thin. The team finished the previous 2025 season in 18th and last place in the Bundesliga with just 19 points from 29 games, recording 4 wins, 7 draws, and 18 losses. A goal difference of -32, with 32 scored and 64 conceded, highlights the defensive issues.
Benedikt Gimber joined 1. FC Heidenheim in 2023 and established himself as a central defensive player. His experience and physical presence were important pillars in recent seasons. His departure comes during a period where the club is undergoing a rebuild following a disappointing season finish, 57 points behind champions Bayern Munich. The club must now plan not only for a sporting fresh start but also address personnel gaps. The current squad composition can be viewed on our squad page.
Heidenheim will receive a low six-figure sum for Gimber's move. This income feeds into the club's transfer budget available for signing new players. Given the thin coverage in defence, finding an adequate replacement for the 29-year-old is the next urgent task for those in charge. Whether and when a successor will be signed is not yet clear. Financial possibilities are limited by the weak previous season and the associated relegation from the Bundesliga.
The departure of Benedikt Gimber leaves a noticeable gap in central defence. The team had the league's weakest defence last season with 64 goals conceded. The recent form of win, draw, draw, loss, loss (WDDLL) continues to show instability. The squad is now even less deep in this key position, increasing the risk from absences or dips in form. A detailed statistical review of the past season is available on our stats page.
The sporting management of 1. FC Heidenheim faces the challenge of strengthening the defence before the start of the new season. The transfer proceeds from the Gimber deal provide limited financial cushioning. The priority clearly lies in signing one or more new centre-backs to keep the team competitive. Planning for upcoming fixtures can be followed on the fixtures page. Gimber's move to Spain marks the end of an era for the player and the start of an important transfer phase for the club, which must rebuild following Bundesliga relegation.
