VfL Wolfsburg are wasting no time reshaping their backline this summer, sending a clear message of intent with the acquisition of two international-caliber defenders. The German powerhouse announced the signing of 25-year-old Sophia Kleinherne from Eintracht Frankfurt, with the national team regular committing to a three-year contract running until June 30, 2028. The experienced defender will don the number four shirt for the She-Wolves.
Kleinherne becomes the second key addition under returning head coach Stephan Lerch, following the arrival of Norwegian international Guro Bergsvand from Brighton & Hove Albion. Bergsvand, who captained the English club last season, was instrumental in guiding them to an unexpected fifth-place finish in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Her leadership and defensive solidity helped transform Brighton’s fortunes, and she arrives in Wolfsburg on a free transfer.
This double reinforcement highlights Wolfsburg’s urgent desire to address last season’s defensive vulnerabilities, which culminated in a crushing 10-2 aggregate defeat to FC Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. The backline overhaul suggests that Lerch is prioritizing experience and composure at the heart of defense as Wolfsburg aim to reassert their dominance both domestically and in Europe.
Crucially, Kleinherne’s decision to switch sides from Frankfurt to Wolfsburg was likely influenced by the promise of Champions League football next season—a stage the She-Wolves secured at the expense of her former club. Her 37 caps for Germany and Bergsvand’s 41 for Norway bring valuable international pedigree to the squad, just ahead of the UEFA European Championship this summer, where both are expected to feature prominently for their respective nations.
With these early moves in the transfer market, Wolfsburg are laying a solid foundation for a strong campaign—rebuilding with purpose, and reminding Europe they’re not done yet.
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