”Die Recken” in Hannover will be joined by a keeper from the German National team next summer. In other words, it´s soon time for Joel Birlehm to change club adress – from Rhein-Neckar Löwen to TSV Hannover-Burgdorf.
Birlehm, with 17 caps so far has played professional handball in four clubs. GWD Minden facilitated the transition from youth organisation to elite level, Birlehm also played for TuS N-Lübbeck and SC Leipzig before his latest move.
Rhein-Neckar Löwen were keen to open the door in January 2022 due to an injury situation. Lately, the competition with Mikael Appelgren and Davis Späth meant that Birlehm had to consider his future.
Several media outlets connected Hannover with the 26-year-old in the last few days and the confirmation from the club didn’t take long.
– We have been watching Joel for a long time and have been interested in signing him in the past. However, the timing was never right for both sides. This time we managed to recognize the opportunity early on and we are pleased that it has now worked out, says sport director Sven-Sören Christophersen to the club website.
For Birlehm, the transfer to Hannover might just increase the chance to get a call-up to the national team. Euro 2024 on home ground will pass without Birlehm taking part.
– I’m really looking forward to being part of the Recken family starting this summer. The many good conversations with those responsible gave me the feeling that I could take the next step in my career with the Recken, says Birlehm to the club webpage.
The recent agreement include Löwen and Birlehm terminating the current contract. Hannovers deal last until 2027.