Analyzing Hertha Berlin’s January Spending Spree

Hertha Berlin were the biggest story during the January transfer window due to their spending spree that came out of nowhere.

Let’s get out of the way by saying Hertha spent €74 million during the January transfer window. That figure not only tops the Bundesliga by a wide margin, but no club in Europe spent more than Hertha during the first month of 2020. And it’s not like they added one expensive player and some other fringe squad members. They added four pieces that could impact their starting XI right away.

Hertha signed Santiago Ascacibar to bolster their midfield depth, as the former Stuttgart player has been one of the most consistent defensive midfielders in the league over the last few years. The Argentinean, who has already won caps with La Albiceleste, deserved a Bundesliga return after impressing with Stuttgart in the country’s second-tier league. Even though Ascacibar will be a decent addition to the side, most of the quality additions come on the attacking end of the pitch.

Piatek and Cunha should undoubtedly boost the team’s attacking depth

That’s because they snapped Matheus Cunha from RB Leipzig and Krzysztof Piatek from AC Milan. Cunha was deemed as surplus for requirements for a title-contending Leipzig side. The Brazil U23 international should provide versatility and flair on the attacking third. His ability to play all over the attacking third should provide decent help. Plus, Cunha is only 20 years old. He is another move to consider for both present and future.

Piatek’s arrival should be even more surprising. He couldn’t adjust to life at Milan and only scored four goals in 18 Serie A matches during the first half of the season. Those numbers are far from impressing, but fans need to be patient with him. After all, Piatek is only 24-year-old and less than two seasons removed from being one of the dangerous goalscoring threats in the Serie A while playing for Genoa.

The Poland international should be able to secure a starting role for Hertha rather quickly. And who knows? perhaps that’s the only thing he needs. He needs patience, time, and a player to continue his development. Why can’t Hertha be that place?

Finally, they also added Lucas Tousart although he was loaned back to Lyon. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder should be an interesting addition to the team’s long-term picture. He could form an intriguing pairing alongside Ascacibar for the 2020-21 season and beyond.

It remains to be seen whether Hertha will be able to challenge for a 2020-21 UEFA Europa League berth. They currently sit in 10th place in the standings. It’s not a secret they have a mountain to climb if they want to conquer a Top 6 finish. But there’s no question they are in a better place than a few weeks ago thanks to their new signings.