Fabian Wohlgemuth, VfB board member for sport, said: “As a true homegrown player, Luca underwent all the development steps from the academy teams to the first team. After a very promising start, Luca was unfortunately beset by injury problems, which meant last season did not go according to plan. We now wish Luca the best of luck and success for a fresh start at Fortuna Düsseldorf. We thank him for his time at VfB and will watch his future development with interest.”
Raimund, who has already passed his medical at Fortuna Düsseldorf, commented: “After seven wonderful years – but also a very difficult last year – it’s now time for me to say goodbye. It’s always filled me with pride to wear the shirt of my boyhood club and especially to have taken my first steps in professional football here. I feel infinite gratitude and will always carry the club in my heart. I wish VfB and their great fans all the best and maximum success for the future.”
Since 2023, Raimund featured 12 times for the VfB U21s in both the third and fourth division, registering one goal and two assists. He made his professional debut on 5 November 2023, when he came on in the 71st minute of the Bundesliga away match at 1. FC Heidenheim and came within an inch of scoring his first Bundesliga goal with a shot against the crossbar in stoppage time. He went on to collect two further outings in the German top flight. However, a persistent thigh injury kept him out of action for most of the 2024/25 campaign.
Raimund has also played eight international games for Germany’s youth teams to date.
VfB would like to thank Luca Raimund for his service and wish him all the best for his future.