OH Leuven and 1860 Munchen have both confirmed that Austrian midfielder Raphael Holzhauser has departed Belgium for the German third tier. The attacking midfielder joins on loan initially until the end of the season, when he will then return to Leuven. 1860 are currently 6th in the third division of German football, having been relegated from Bundesliga 2 back in 2017.
Holzhauser was a key player for Beerschot in the 2020/2021 season, with the attacking midfielder scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists in 35 games for the Antwerp based club. However, the Austrian and Beerschot suffered second season syndrome and were comfortably relegated in the 2021/2022 season. The 29 year-old had a clause that allowed him to move for free in the event of relegation, with OH Leuven happy to pick up the playmaker.
Holzhauser has spent time in Germany before, having been on the books of VFB Stuttgart back in 2012. The midfielder provided three assists but did not find the back of the net in 33 matches for the German side.
If Holzhauser becomes the third summer signing to depart Leuven after Joao Gamboa returned to Estoril on loan, and Santi Ramos Mingo went to Argentina.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
