Philipp Treu: Could Jürgen Klopp's New Germany Team Fix the Kimmich Dilemma?
On July 24, Jürgen Klopp was announced as the new head coach of the German national team amid intense media attention. Following a disappointing World Cup exit to Paraguay under Julian Nagelsmann, Klopp aimed to revive both the team and the nation’s spirit. He mentioned monitoring 57 outfield players, with Philipp Treu among those likely to feature prominently.
The Rise of Philipp Treu
At 25, the SC Freiburg right-back has steadily climbed the ranks, becoming an undisputed starter as his club reached the Europa League final last season against Aston Villa. Treu’s consistent progress and reliability make him a strong candidate for the national squad, especially in the right-back role that has troubled recent German coaches.
The Right-Back Challenge and Kimmich’s Role
Treu himself acknowledged the scarcity of quality full-backs in Germany in an interview with kicker. This shortage forced Nagelsmann to redeploy Joshua Kimmich, usually a defensive midfielder for Bayern Munich, back into the right-back position. When things faltered against Paraguay, Kimmich shifted centrally—where fans and experts generally prefer him.
For Klopp, Treu could present an alternative solution. Treu expressed to Sky his dream of wearing the eagle-emblazoned jersey one day, hinting at his national team ambitions.
Parallels with Kevin Großkreutz
Treu’s style and journey echo that of Kevin Großkreutz, a former Borussia Dortmund player whom Klopp transformed into a key figure. During the 2013/14 season, Großkreutz stepped up as a makeshift right-back, impressing enough to earn a World Cup nomination despite not playing in Brazil. Both players share qualities Klopp values: relentless energy, physicality, and commitment.
Career Progression and Market Value
Three and a half years ago, Treu captained SC Freiburg’s second team in the 3. Liga, far from the national stage. In summer 2023, he made a strategic move to FC St. Pauli in the 2. Bundesliga for €500,000 instead of remaining a fringe Bundesliga player. Helping St. Pauli achieve promotion, he then played in the Bundesliga during the 2024/25 season.
By 2025, Freiburg re-signed Treu for €5.5 million, eleven times what they had sold him for earlier. His market value now stands at €15 million. SC Freiburg’s sporting director, Klemens Hartenbach, praised his development and welcomed him back enthusiastically. Treu told kicker he remains driven despite his recent success.
Next Steps and National Team Prospects
Klopp prizes hunger and determination, traits Treu embodies. Since Treu could address Germany’s right-back issues, it wouldn’t be surprising if he earns a call-up when Klopp announces his 26-man squad for the upcoming Nations League matches in September. The 25-year-old appears ready to take the leap and realize his ambition of representing Germany on the international stage.
- Key Dates: Klopp appointed Germany head coach on 24 July 2026
- Player Age: Philipp Treu is 25 years old
- Transfer Fees: Moved to FC St. Pauli for €500,000; returned to Freiburg for €5.5 million
- Market Value: Approximately €15 million
- Recent Achievements: Reached Europa League final with Freiburg in 2025
- Upcoming Opportunity: Nations League squad announcement in September 2026
