Imagine Joshua Kimmich moving from Munich to Dortmund – three months later the national team captain wants to return to Bayern. The result would be heated discussions in the football scene. That's exactly what happened in handball: Johannes Golla caused a huge stir with his wish to return shortly after his move from Flensburg-Handewitt to Melsungen. The 28-year-old pivot is under enormous pressure. The most important questions about the personnel situation surrounding the German captain.
What's the problem?
DHB captain Golla moved from Flensburg to Melsungen in the summer - and wants to go back after a few months. Golla's family comes from Hesse, and MT Melsungen lured him with a five-year contract. What he hadn't taken into account, however, was how much it would affect his family to say goodbye to the fjord. The Gollas got married there, had two children and built up their social circle. Homesickness - that's not what it's about, the word was chosen too weakly, Golla now said: "People who know me well have long seen that my mental health is seriously at risk."
What is the contract situation?
According to dpa information, Golla's contract was terminated as an alternative on Monday last week at the earliest possible date. His contract in Melsungen runs until 2031. There is an exit clause in the contract after three years. The transfer fee stipulated there is said to be 500,000 euros.
How does MT Melsungen react?
The magic of Golla's return to his first professional club is gone. The pivot was planned to be the heart of the team. For Melsungen it is now about a face-saving solution with the greatest possible profit. "We had and have long-term plans with him. We therefore have to fundamentally demand loyalty to the contract. But there are always two sides to a contract," said MT board member Andreas Mohr. He told the “FAZ”: “We are very disappointed at all levels. But if we continue to play the issue on an emotional level, we will only have losers.” The dilemma must be solved objectively and it is up to Flensburg to make “a reasonable offer”.
What does Flensburg say about this?
Golla was an identification figure in Flensburg as captain - and a figurehead for the club nationwide. Of course, the SG has an interest in making the return possible - because it would benefit from it. The club has a need for the district in the short and medium term anyway, as the contracts of Arnar Arnarsson (2027) and Blaz Blagotinsek (2028) are expiring in the foreseeable future, and the desired move of national player Justus Fischer (from Hanover to THW Kiel) fell through.
It has been clear to those in charge in Flensburg for a long time that Golla will be available for a certain amount in 2028. But the urgency with which their Hall of Fame member now wants to return in 2027 may also have surprised the SG. "We didn't plan that. If there is a possibility in his contract to get him, it's interesting for us. We can find a solution. Johannes makes every team better," said sports director Ljubomir Vranjes to the "FAZ" and confirmed talks with Melsungen.
Could there also be sporting reasons?
When Golla signed his contract in 2024, Michael Allendorf was still the sports director in Melsungen. Jesper Larsson followed on May 1st this year. MT coach Roberto Garcia Parrondo is moving to PSG Paris next summer, and his successor will be Berlin master coach Jaron Siewert. The future of other top players apart from Golla is also uncertain.
On the other hand, the Portuguese backcourt stars Francisco and Martim Costa are coming to Flensburg for the new season. According to reports, a transfer fee of 2.4 million euros was due. There seems to be money in Flensburg.
Why could the case become a problem for the national team?
A good month before the national team's next international match on November 5th in Berlin against Belgium, the personnel is causing a stir. According to reports, the German Handball Association wants to clear things up quickly. The matter should be resolved long before the home World Cup, which begins on January 13th.
The question is also whether Golla can lead the national team as captain at the World Cup. At the moment there is no evidence that Golla will lose the bandage. National coach Alfred Gislason thinks highly of his captain.
What does labor law say?
If an employee cites a mental illness when terminating a contract, this must be “proven by appropriate medical reports,” said Markus Bohnau, a specialist lawyer for labor law and partner in the Düsseldorf office of the Kliemt law firm. “And then you would have to decide whether it is really the only way to help him with his health by immediately terminating the contract without notice, or whether circumstances can first be adjusted to help him cope better.”
There are actually no real precedents for professional athletes. In general, an agreement between both parties is required for a termination agreement, emphasized Bohnau. Of course, money plays a role. “There are even players who then pay part of the sum required to get the signature themselves.”
