CITY SC sign German midfielder Marcel Hartel from FC St. Pauli

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - St. Louis CITY SC has signed German midfielder Marcel Hartel from FC St. Pauli as a Designated Player, the club announced Tuesday morning.

CITY SC acquired Hartel’s Discovery rights from Columbus Crew for $350,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money. He will be one of CITY SC’s three Designated Players and hold an international roster spot, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa, on a free transfer through June 2028 with a club option for the remainder of ‘28.

Hartel, 28, is coming off a career season after helping lead St. Pauli to a promotion to the Bundesliga first division. Across 37 total games played in 2023-24, he had 17 goals and 13 assists in league play and six goal contributions during the DFB-Pokal (German domestic competition). In three seasons with St. Pauli, he tallied 28 goals and 31 assists across all competitions.

“We are happy to have locked this deal down to bring in a high caliber midfielder such as Marcel to St. Louis,” said Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel. “His ability to create and finish will give us a dual threat to help lift our attack.”

From Köln, , Hartel began his career with FC Köln Academy at six years old and progressed through the organization to their senior team at 20 years old. Following a short stint with Union Berlin, the midfielder helped Arminia Bielefeld gain promotion to the Bundesliga first division during the 2019-20 season with one goal and 13 assists.

He will see a familiar face when he arrives in St. Louis as he was once teammates with CITY SC defender Joakim Nilsson during both seasons at Arminia Bielefeld.

“As a club, we’ve always been prepared to make investments that will improve the quality of our squad, so long as we find the right fit”, said Club President and General Manager, Diego Gigliani. “Marcel’s arrival as one of our three Designated Players highlights the confidence we have in him, both as a player and as a leader. We’re convinced he will make an important positive impact on our team and continue highlighting how high-quality players in the peak of their career are making the MLS their league of choice.”

Hartel will be available for selection beginning July 18, the start of MLS’ Summer Transfer Window.

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