Foto: SV 98 25.06.2026 / English
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.
Paul Fernie: „We have been monitoring Yannik for quite some time and are convinced by the complete package and development potential he brings to the table. He was a key performer and a leader at Hoffenheim last season and has shown that he is ready for this step. In him, we are gaining another exciting defensive option.“
Yannik Lührs: „I am very happy to be wearing the ‚Lily‘ on my chest moving forward. Darmstadt stands for a style of football that suits my game, and during our discussions, I could sense that the club officials have a clear plan for me. I look forward to meeting my teammates today and getting straight to work on pre-season preparations together.“
Lührs came up through the Hannover 96 youth academy, starting with the U16s. The tall defender made ten second-division appearances for the Lower Saxony club before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2024. The Hannover native played 33 matches in the 3. Liga for BVB’s second team and also made three Bundesliga appearances for the first team. Last season, Lührs played 33 matches for TSG Hoffenheim II in the 3. Liga, occasionally wearing the captain’s armband.
Lührs has also represented DFB youth teams, with two appearances for the U19 national team and two for the U20s on his record.
At the Lilies, Lührs will wear the number 49 shirt.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
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.
The fan shop at Bölle will remain closed on Monday.
The SV Darmstadt 98 fan shop at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be closed next Monday (June 22nd). It will reopen on Tuesday (June 23rd) with its regular opening hours.
From Japan to Canada | „I want to show what I’m capable of“
Where are the Darmstadt 98 players spending their summer holidays? We'll give you a brief overview. Furthermore, SV 98 welcomed their first new signing, Noah Weißhaupt, to the Böllenfalltor stadium this week, and the club's veterans team will be playing two matches again this weekend. We'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 in our "Lilies Across the Board" section.
Children’s play day at Bölle: Ticket sales for the Homburg test match start on June 18th.
At the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor against FC Homburg: Ticket sales for the friendly match on July 14, 2026, at 6pm against the regional league team begin on June 18 at noon. Tickets are available as usual at the ticket office at the stadium and in our online ticket shop. We would also like to draw your attention to this very special match day: The friendly against FC Homburg will put our youngest fans in the spotlight, giving them their first ever children's match day at the stadium, an event never before seen at the Merck Stadium.
