Kelven Frees set for loan move to Kaiserslautern from Hoffenheim

Kelven Frees is on the verge of leaving TSG Hoffenheim on loan, with a switch to FC Kaiserslautern expected to be completed shortly.

According to Kicker, the centre-back is due to spend next season in the 2. Bundesliga, where he will finally get regular first-team minutes at a higher level.

For the 21-year-old, who remains under contract with Hoffenheim until 2029, the move is seen as an important next step in his development. Frees missed much of last season with a long-term ankle injury and now needs consistent game time to regain rhythm and kick on.

The 2.02m defender joined Hoffenheim three years ago from Fortuna Dusseldorf’s academy and steadily climbed through the U19s and the second team toward the senior squad. He was part of Christian Ilzer’s group during the winter training camp, but afterward was limited to just two Bundesliga matchday squad appearances and mainly played for the reserves.

Given the current depth in Hoffenheim’s central defense, all parties have agreed that a loan is the best solution. With Ozan Kabak, Albian Hajdari and Robin Hranac already in place, Koki Machida returning from a cruciate ligament injury, and new arrivals Mats Rots and Bernardo added, competition for minutes is fierce. Kaiserslautern now offer Frees the platform he needs to prove himself.