Grupe departs ludwigshafen: goalkeeper set for summer exit

Mats Grupe's future at Eulen Ludwigshafen has been decided. The 22-year-old goalkeeper will leave the club this summer after exercising his contract option, confirming earlier speculation.

Grupe seeks new challenge after ludwigshafen stint

The announcement ends a period of uncertainty for the player, who had been with the Rhine-Neckar Löwen academy before joining Eulen in February 2023. Eulen managing director Domenico Marinese had previously expressed a desire to retain Grupe, but the goalkeeper has opted for a new sporting and personal challenge.

“After giving my notice in December, I valued the efforts of the coach and sporting management to keep me. However, I want to accept a new sporting and personal challenge and take the next step,” Grupe stated. He emphasized his positive relationship with his teammates and the club's fans, promising to give his all until the final matchday to secure the team’s survival in the league and say a proper farewell.

The Eulen are already looking for a replacement. Janis Boieck, signed from HC Oppenweiler-Backnang, will join the team for the next two seasons. Furthermore, young talent Philipp Wenning signed a one-year contract with the club last week. The departure of Grupe follows that of Žiga Urbic, who moves to TV Großwallstadt after five years with Eulen.

Grupe's decision highlights the constant churn within the handball world, a reality that coaches and sporting directors must navigate with precision. The club now faces the task of integrating a new goalkeeper into their setup before the season concludes.

The team will be counting on the combined efforts of Žiga Urbic, Philipp Wenning and Roko Peribonio to secure a positive end to the season.