Foto: SV 98 27.06.2025 / English
Patric Pfeiffer returns to SV 98
Patric Pfeiffer will once again wear the Lilien jersey: The 25-year-old central defender, who played for SV 98 from 2019 to 2023, is moving permanently from FC Augsburg to Darmstadt.
Paul Fernie: „We’ve been in contact for some time and are happy that the signing has now worked out. Also because, despite many other options, Patric has clearly expressed his desire to return to Darmstadt. He brings a lot of experience, but at 25, Patric is far from the end of his development. We can look forward to a player who won’t need much time to settle in and who will help us with his presence, strength in duels, and versatile opening play.“
Patric Pfeiffer: „I’m very happy to be back here. For me, it feels a bit like coming home. The discussions with Paul Fernie and Florian Kohfeldt were extremely positive and have confirmed my belief that Darmstadt 98 is the right step for me, especially from a sporting perspective. I can hardly wait to get started with my old and new teammates.“
In his four years at SV 98, Pfeiffer made 85 appearances for the Lilies. In 2022/23, he was a key starter in SV 98’s promotion to the Bundesliga, contributing four goals to the Lilies‘ triumph. The defender then joined FC Augsburg, for whom he made twelve competitive appearances. Pfeiffer was loaned out twice last season: first to top Swiss club BSC Young Boys, and then to 1. FC Magdeburg in February.
Now, Pfeiffer will play for the Lilies again, wearing the number 6 shirt.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Transfer News: Kehl becomes the Lilies‘ next new signing.
SV 98 can announce another new signing ahead of the start of training on Sunday (June 28). Lars Kehl is joining the "Lilies" from VfL Osnabrück on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.
The Lilies kick off their 2026 summer pre-season.
It was an early start on Thursday morning (June 25th) as SV Darmstadt 98 kicked off their 2026 summer pre-season. The goalkeepers were expected at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor just before 7am, with many other players following shortly thereafter. Yet, despite the early hour, a cheerful Marcel Schuhen jogged from the car park to the team building, flashing a broad grin as he held up an "eight" for the camera. "Today marks the eighth time in a row that I’m starting summer pre-season with the Lilies," smiled the SV 98 captain; under contract at the "Bölle" since 2019, he is the longest-serving player in the current squad.
Transfer News: Lührs joins the Lilies
Reinforcement for the SV 98 defence: The Lilies have signed Yannik Lührs. The 22-year-old defender joins the club at the Böllenfalltor from TSG Hoffenheim II.
Training begins in the Odenwald | „This feeling“
The summer break is drawing to a close, and this coming Sunday (June 28th), the Darmstadt professionals will be back on the training pitch for the first time, officially starting their preparations for the 2026/27 second division season. And they'll be doing so in the Odenwald region. Furthermore, the club has welcomed another new signing, Nicolas Verkooijen. You can find these and other topics in our weekly edition, "Lilies Across the Board."
Organisational information for the „Lionel Richie Tribute Night“ with Jimmie Wilson
At the "Lionel Richie Tribute Night" on June 27, 2026 (Saturday evening, doors open at 8:30 p.m.), Jimmie Wilson will bring the greatest hits of the American soul singer live to the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. This concert evening, presented by SV Darmstadt 98 Stadion GmbH, promises a special atmosphere – whether you want to sing along, dance, or simply enjoy the music. Here you will find all the important organisational information.
Transfer News: Verkooijen Signs for Lilies
SV 98 have secured the services of highly sought-after Nicolas Verkooijen. The Belgian U21 international joins the club in southern Hesse on a free transfer after his contract with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven expired at the end of the season.
Young Lilies participate in the „Bundesliga Talent Series“
The "Bundesliga Talent Series" will launch in the 2026/27 season as an additional U21 competition to promote young talent in German professional football. SV 98 is one of 26 clubs from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga that have committed to participating.
Transfer News: Lilies Loan Out Arnold
Tim Arnold will play in the Regionalliga West next season. SV 98 is loaning the 19-year-old to Sportfreunde Siegen. The fourth-division club also has an option to sign him permanently.
Heinerfest game show: SV 98 is looking for four teams
Want to take your team to the Heinerfest stage? Then apply now! SV Darmstadt 98 is looking for four teams to be part of the Lilies' Heinerfest game show and compete against former Lilie player Michael Stegmayer. The show takes place on Saturday, July 4th, from 4pm to 6pm. Amateur teams, groups of friends, families, fan clubs, and club groups are all welcome to participate.
Merck Lilies football camps are starting for the summer holidays: Secure your spot now!
With the start of the Hessian summer holidays on June 29th, the Merck Lilies football camps will of course also be in full swing again. You can find all the information here.
Young Lilies: Coach swap between U21 and U19
SV 98 is making changes to the head coaching positions for its U21 and U19 teams for the upcoming season. Sebastian Schmitt, who has been in charge of the U21s since February, will now coach the U19s. Conversely, the current U19 coach, Patrick Kurt, will take over the position with the U21s.
