Karl Steinmann arrived at the Freiburg Football School from VfR Merzhausen when he was just 10 years old and progressed through all of the club’s youth teams. He made his debut in the Regionalliga on the opening matchday of the 2024/25 season and has since made 52 appearances for the U23s. The 20-year-old was named in the matchday squad ten times in the Bundesliga and UEFA Europa League, but made no appearances. Steinmann was officially promoted to the first team ahead of the current campaign.

Sporting director Klemens Hartenbach on the loan: “It’s currently difficult for Karl to get the game time he needs in the first team. As an ambitious side in the 2. Bundesliga, Hannover 96 is the perfect place for him to develop further. It goes without saying that we have total belief in Karl and will remain in close contact with him.”

The contractual details are undisclosed.