CalcioMercato reported on Kenneth Schmidt's loan transfer from SC Freiburg to Hannover 96. Kenneth Schmidt is moving on loan from SC Freiburg to Hannover 96, with the transfer confirmed by both clubs on New Year's Day. Schmidt will be on loan for 18 months to gain regular playing time. Freiburg's sporting director, Klemens Hartenbach, viewed this as a great opportunity for the junior national player to develop. Schmidt expressed his happiness about the move, stating that he believed Hannover 96 was the right club for his career progression. He has previously made ten appearances in the Bundesliga and two in the Europa League, but his career stalled due to injuries in 2024.

The plan had been in place for some time, and now it is finalized: Central defender Kenneth Schmidt (22) is moving from Bundesliga club SC Freiburg on a loan basis to Hannover 96. The left-footed player received a contract with the ambitious second division club until June 30, 2026.

Kenneth Schmidt is set to leave SC Freiburg in January. Reports from 'Sky' indicate that Freiburg plans to loan the 22-year-old to Hannover 96 for the second half of the season. The deal reportedly does not include a purchase option for Hannover. The aim of the loan is said to be for Schmidt to acquire much-needed playing experience at a higher level. Up to now, the central defender has only participated in five matches for SC Freiburg's regional league team this season. It is noted that last season, Schmidt experienced Bundesliga action, appearing in five matches before his season was prematurely ended by a muscle injury. At Hannover, he may also address potential gaps in the defense, particularly with uncertainties about the future of players such as Marcel Halstenberg and Phil Neumann, the latter of whom is reportedly contemplating a move to Birmingham City in England's third tier.