Mark Flekken joined the club initially as a back-up goalkeeper from MSV Duisburg in 2018, but eventually became the first choice ahead of the 2021/22 season, after a complicated elbow injury in summer 2020. Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to make 96 appearances for Freiburg across the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Europa League, also captaining the side on occasion. During his time with the club, he also made his debut for the Netherlands national team.

“I’ve had five incredible years in Freiburg, with lows such as my serious injury and a lot of highs, such as playing in the Europa League, the DFB-Pokal final and some fantastic matches in the Bundesliga,” said Flekken. “I want to thank the club greatly for the trust that they’ve placed in me and continued to show in me over the years. My time here has shaped me and I’m grateful to have been here, both as a person and a player.”

On the move, Jochen Saier said, “We showed Mark a clear vision five years ago and we’ve taken on this journey together. He never allowed himself to be derailed by any setbacks and we always showed confidence in him during the difficult times. That’s something that binds you. Mark became a reliable goalkeeper for our team over the past two years; we thank him for all he’s done on and off the pitch and for the successful time together. We wish him all the best for his next chapter in London.”