John Brooks and VfL Wolfsburg confirmed today that the former American international will seek a new employer at the end of the current season, following five seasons at the club.
With his current contract ending in summer, the long-term future of Brooks has been a growing question, in particular after rumors surfaced in recent months suggesting tension between the 29 year-old player and the team.
In a joint announcement on Tuesday, Brooks and Wolfsburg confirmed that the two parties will amicably part ways in the summer.
“I would like to thank those responsible at VfL Wolfsburg for the trusting discussions, but I have decided to take on a new challenge again,” Brooks stated in the press release. “I had the opportunity to play football at a high level for five years and of course it’s not easy for me to say goodbye after such a long time.”
“I wish the team and the whole club all the best and will give everything for VfL until the last game.”
Brooks was acquired by Wolfsburg prior to the 2017-18 season for a sum of €17 million, and so far has played a total of 116 Bundesliga contests, 10 games in European competition and eight in the DFB Pokal.
The team’s management weighed on his departure, with Sporting director Marcel Schäfer expressing his gratitude for the player’s hard work in his five seasons in the Green & White.
“It was five intense years with many highlights such as getting into the Champions League, but also with difficult sporting phases that we overcame together,” Schäfer stated. “We would like to thank Jay for this and wish him and his family all the best. We respect his decision and are convinced that together we will tackle the tasks ahead of us this season with the greatest possible commitment.”
Wolfsburg still have ten Bundesliga games left to play before the summer, and it is expected that Brooks will continue to play a role, as he has been a starter in the three-man back-line for most of the season.
Brooks has also suited up 45 times for the United States National Team, however is currently out of favor with head coach Gregg Berhalter, after having been left off the roster for the last three World Cup qualifying windows.
Still, he is one of two active American players – the other being Fürth’s Julian Green – to have scored for the Stars & Stripes in a World Cup game, and could be called in if any of Berhalter’s preferred choices in central defense suffer injuries or a loss of form.
Wolfsburg and Brooks are back in action on Saturday with a home game against Union Berlin.
