Heidenheim, who were relegated from the Bundesliga, have signed 32-year-old German goalkeeper Thomas Dähne on a contract until 2028. The player became available on a free transfer after 1860 München faced a forced relegation for failing to provide the 2.3 million euros needed for the 3rd division license, and Dähne's contract was not valid for the Regionalliga. Dähne stated that discussions with Heidenheim officials gave him a very good feeling from the start, and that his goalkeeping coach at 1860, Vitus Eicher, who previously played for Heidenheim, had reinforced his decision by describing the club as special. Dähne has 4 caps for Germany U20 and his current market value is €350k, according to Transfermarkt. He was also recently linked with Red Bull Salzburg.