Central defensive duo depart TSG Hoffenheim

John Anthony "Jay" Brooks, 31, joined TSG from Benfica in January 2023. The American has since made 37 Bundesliga appearances (two goals) and played in two DFB-Pokal matches for the Kraichgau club.

"Jay came to us in a highly challenging sporting situation and gave us stability in defence with his enormous experience and his character," said Alexander Rosen, the Managing Director for Sport at TSG. "Thanks to his qualities and his remarkable presence, he had an impact on our play from day one. Over the past year and a half, Jay has played a key role in helping us to stay in the division last term and finish this season with qualification for a European competition."

"In Kasim's case, we have to openly concede that the signing did not work out for either party from a sporting perspective. His time with us contained only a handful of sporting highlights, despite his consistently impeccable and professional behaviour," explained Rosen. "But what often stayed hidden from public view was the role that Kasim played on a personal level within the squad. Even in tough times, he always had a smile on his face and his infectious friendliness made him a recognised member of our team. We wish Kasim and Jay all the best for the future."

Kasim Adams joined Hoffenheim from BSC Young Boys in Bern in 2018. Several injuries, among other things, ensured that the central defender made only 13 Bundesliga appearances in his debut season. He joined then fellow Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf on loan in the 2019/20 campaign, then had another loan spell – this time with FC Basel – in the 2022/23 campaign and helped the Swiss outfit to reach the semi-finals of the Conference League. In addition to 29 Bundesliga appearances and three in the DFB-Pokal, the 28-year-old Ghana international also played twice in the Champions League and four times in the Europa League for TSG.