Overview
- Energie Cottbus confirmed late Monday that they have signed goalkeeper Marcel Lotka from Fortuna Düsseldorf, with club staff saying he fits the squad both on and off the pitch.
- Lotka is expected to challenge for the starting role because Cottbus lost Marius Funk to VfB Stuttgart and Alexander Sebald stopped playing, leaving a clear vacancy in goal.
- Lotka could move on a free transfer because his Fortuna contract did not extend to 3. Liga play, and attempts by Fortuna to keep him were complicated by reports of damaged trust after earlier unfulfilled promises.
- Fortuna has already lost captain Florian Kastenmeier and, according to reports on Tuesday, a proposed move for him to Werder Bremen has collapsed, leaving his next destination uncertain and increasing pressure on Fortuna’s rebuild.
- Lotka brings top‑flight experience — ten Bundesliga games for Hertha and 84 appearances for Borussia Dortmund’s reserve side in the 3. Liga — and the transfer gives him a strong chance of regular playing time while signalling Cottbus’s intent to stabilise its squad for the new season.