Jérôme Onguéné makes an immediate move from FC Sochaux to VfB. The 19-year-old defensive specialist has signed on in Stuttgart until June 30th, 2020 and will wear the number 4 jersey with the infamous red hoop. The exact details of the transfer remain undisclosed.
Jérôme Onguéné has played 45 games in the French Ligue 2 and 13 domestic cup matches for FC Sochaux scoring one goal. The central defender has been through all French youth national teams from U16 through to U20, making a total of 38 youth level appearances for his country (five goals). In summer 2016, the defender celebrated the U19 European Championship win with France at the tournament finals in Germany.
Sporting Director Jan Schindelmeiser on signing Jérôme Onguéné:
"In signing Jérôme Onguéné, we close the gap left open at the centre of defence by the departures of Stephen Sama and Toni Sunjic. Having just three players for the two central defensive positions was taking too great a risk. Jérôme fits right into our profile too. He is young, talented and wants to prove himself. He is another player who we have been able to convince of the direction we are taking."
Four questions for Jérôme Onguéné
Jérôme, welcome to VfB. We imagine you have very positive memories of Germany – in particular Baden-Württemberg…
Jérôme Onguéné: "…that’s true. We became U19 European Champions with the French national team in Germany last July. That was a fantastic tournament. I have very positive memories of the wonderful stadiums and all the really enthusiastic fans. That’s another reason I am really looking forward to coming back here."
Do you follow German football in France?
Jérôme Onguéné: "Yes, I regularly watched the Bundesliga games and also the 2. Bundesliga. It’s a very evenly balanced second division with a lot of great teams."
And what have you picked up about VfB?
Jérôme Onguéné: "It’s a club with massive tradition, a wonderful stadium and many fans. It’s also a club that has regularly placed fate in young players, also French players, and they want to get back to playing top-flight football as quickly as possible."
Before your move, did you have the opportunity to speak with your fellow countryman Benjamin Pavard?
Jérôme Onguéné: "No, there wasn’t any time for that. I Wednesday I begin training with the team and I am really looking forward to meeting him, as well as all my other new team mates."