Top Stories

Jonathan Klinsmann signs with Hertha Berlin

Jonathan Klinsmann’s recent training stint proved good enough to earn him his first professional contract from a Bundesliga club.

Hertha Berlin announced on Tuesday that the club has signed the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team goalkeeper following a training stint. Klinsmann began training with the club last week with the hopes of earning a professional deal and the young goalkeeper did enough to earn that deal with his grandfather’s favorite club.

“This morning, (coach) Michael Preetz asked me to have a chat with him after breakfast. He told me a decision had been taken regarding my contract with Hertha,” Klinsmann said. “It was an unbelievably emotional moment for me, because this club has so much history in my family. I’m looking forward to getting to know the club more, the city of Berlin and taking on new challenges in Germany.”

“Jonathan convinced us with his ability, charisma and ambition. He’ll now settle with us and develop step by step,” Goalkeeper coach Zsoly Petry says. “Klinsmann exudes calmness and confidence. He has a very good right foot and is also technically and athletically at a good level.”

Klinsmann, who departs Cal to join up with the Bundesliga side, was a key member of the U.S. U-20s, helping the team win a CONCACAF crown before participating in the U-20 World Cup.

Comments

  1. Congrats!! We’re still waiting for the next wave of young American goal keepers to arrive so the more the merrier to throw their hat in the ring. (is it weird though that I had a second of panic…would Klinsmann ever convince his son to play for Germany?? haha)

    Reply
  2. Sorry but anytime I hear his name, all I can think of is Landon Donovan. Anything that takes him out of the USA is good for me

    Reply
    • He was a kid man. Let it go. He could be our starting keeper in the years ahead, so better get ready to like him. (or at least forgive and forget)

      Reply
    • Lol. A lifelong grudge complete with banishment from the country…. over a tweet made by a kid. You are about as immature as the young Klinsman was during that moment of poor judgement.

      He seems to have grown up.

      Reply
  3. Doubtful he will play for the first team this season but this is a great opportunity and only time will tell if he can make anything of it. His dad’s connections have gotten him the trial but he has earned the contract on his own. Congrats and good luck to this young American.

    Reply
  4. Whoa, is that him on the left or on the right. No wonder he’s been good – he’s cloned himself and can cover twice as much in the goalmouth!!

    Reply
  5. Honestly, good for him. He played very bravely against Venezuela and seems to have some pretty good shot stopping skills. Hopefully with a pro team, they will really hammer home the importance of quality distribution.

    Reply
  6. From what I have seen of him he is a legitimate shot stopper he just needs to refine his decision making (When to come out to the ball) and his positioning.

    Reply
    • You think he is legit? He just signed a professional contract with Hertha Berlin in a pretty decent league.
      Regardless of his name you need to respect any of these young men who are willing to take a risk in Europe. The Bundesliga seems to be a great league willing to play young players and not farm them out like the EPL.

      Reply
      • Actually, if you read a little bit close this time, you’ll see I never said “I think,” I actually said “he IS” Take your negativity elsewhere, I’m not a Klinsmann hater, father or son.

  7. He makes the mundane look flashy while being good for at least one catastrophic blunder per game. But he’s young still.

    Reply

Leave a Comment