USMNT player John Brooks to depart VfL Wolfsburg in the summer

USMNT center-back John Brooks is set to depart VfL Wolfsburg after his contract expires in the summer, ending a five-year tenure with the Bundesliga side. 

Though the veteran player was previously rumored to be discussing a longer deal with the club, nothing was agreed upon between the two parties.  

“We’ve had five intense years with many highlights, including reaching the Champions League, but there have also been difficult periods on the pitch that we’ve conquered together,” announced VfL sporting director Marcel Schäfer.

 “We’d like to thank Jay for that and wish him and his family all the best. We respect his decision and are certain that together, we’ll take on the challenges that still await us this season with total commitment.”

Brooks first joined the club in 2017 from Hertha BSC, signing for a reported €20m transfer fee. He later made his debut on August 13, in the team’s first round of the DFB-Pokal to fourth-tier Eintracht Norderstedt. 

“I’d like to thank the VfL Wolfsburg management for their honest discussions, but I’ve decided to take on a new challenge once again,” Brooks told the club. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to play football at a high level for five years and it’s obviously not easy for me to leave after such a long time. I wish the team and the entire club all the best and will give my all for VfL until my last game.”

Though he suffered several injury spells during his time with the club, Brooks has gone on to record six goals and five assists in 136 appearances thus far. 

Brooks has made 21 appearances for Wolfsburg this season, featuring in the UEFA Champions League group stage last fall.

Internationally, the player has featured for the US men’s national team on 45 occasions, recording three goals. He last played for Gregg Berhalter’s side in the September World Cup qualifier against Honduras.