Ernst joins – Kwasigroch signs his first professional contract
Goalkeeper Tjark Ernst has become our third summer signing ahead of the 2022/23 season after Filip Uremović and Jonjoe Kenny. Ernst joins from VfL Bochum on a contract running until 2026. “Tjark is one of the most talented young German goalkeepers, so we’re really pleased to have convinced him to join Hertha BSC,” explained Fredi Bobic. The youngster will train with the first team and gain match practice with our U23s in the Regionalliga. “Tjark has so much potential, that’s something that other clubs will have also identified, but he chose to join us. We will work hard with him to help him reach his full potential,” said goalkeeping coach Andreas Menger, who will work closely with him. “It’s important for me to get some game time as I move up from youth football to senior football. Hertha BSC came in for me really early on. My discussions with Andreas Menger, Ilja Hofstädt and Fredi Bobic all had a big impact on me choosing to come here,” said Ernst.
The 1.93m tall goalkeeper played for VfL Bochum’s U19s last season, keeping 15 clean sheets in 23 league games and only conceding nine goals. The son of former Bundesliga goalkeeper Thomas also made the bench for the first team on one occasion. Ernst has been part of all of Germany’s youth sides since U15s and has currently won three caps for the U19s. “I want to develop in all regards, both in a sporting sense, but also away from football by moving away from home. I want to give my all in training so that I can establish myself as quickly as possible in senior football,” commented our new signing.
Kwasigroch signs his first professional contract
Robert Kwasigroch will be a part of the first-team squad next season, having often trained with our Bundesliga side during 2021/22. He has signed his first pro deal, which will run until 2025. After winning the league with our U19s (and then finishing as runners-up in the German championship), plus making his debut for our U23s, this is the next step for the young goalkeeper from Berlin, who will also pick up minutes for the U23s in the fourth division. “We’ve got two talented goalkeepers, who will gain valuable experience from training with the first team and playing for the U23s,” said Menger.
Hertha goalkeepers representing Germany
Another youngster that will be in the focus of our goalkeeping coaches is Tim Goller. Our academy product was part of the first team’s training camp last season and will play for our U19s in 2022/23. “With Tjark, Robert and Tim, we’ve got the current Germany keepers for the U19s, U18s and U17s all at Hertha BSC. That’s a testament to the work our academy does and it shows the high level of quality here – plus two of them are proper Berlin lads,” praised Menger.