Marcel Sobottka has joined VfL Bochum, signing a contract that runs until the end of the season. The 31-year-old midfielder, who was previously a free agent, had already been training with the team for an extended period. Sobottka stated that the trial period of approximately two weeks was useful for getting to know the team and that he sees it as a privilege to have a short commute, which allows his family to be present for home matches. VfL head coach Uwe Rösler, who previously worked with Sobottka at Fortuna Düsseldorf, said he values the player's skills, including his leadership. Rösler added that Sobottka's footballing qualities are not in doubt and that the current goal is for him to regain a competitive rhythm after his break, noting that steps taken so far, such as playing 80 minutes in a test match, have shown a positive effect.