Karol Niemczycki’s career was on a rapid rise, with the Polish goalkeeper becoming a stalwart for Cracovia in the Ekstraklasa. In an interview with Meczyki.pl two years ago, Niemczycki confidently predicted that he would be the best goalkeeper of his generation, ahead of the likes of Marcin Bułka, Kamil Grabara, and Radosław Majecki. However, things didn’t quite pan out as he had hoped.
In 2023, Niemczycki made the move to Fortuna Düsseldorf in the German Bundesliga, but his time in Germany was marked by disappointment and frustration. Despite being brought in to eventually replace the team’s starter, Niemczycki found himself relegated to the bench, playing only three games and serving as a backup. The situation became even more complicated when the starter extended his contract, making it difficult for Niemczycki to break into the starting lineup.
„I knew it wouldn’t work in my favor, and the situation was getting tougher because I wouldn’t just need to be 10% better than my competitor, but at least twice as good due to his status in the team,” Niemczycki said in an interview with Weszło.
Niemczycki was given a chance to prove himself in the German Cup, but he soon found himself back on the bench. „That was the biggest disappointment, the chance I was working towards was taken away from me. I didn’t expect that,” he added.
In the summer of 2022, Niemczycki moved to Darmstadt 98, hoping for a fresh start. However, he again found himself struggling to break into the starting lineup. „The coach, goalkeeping coach, and sporting director all called me and gave me a clear understanding that they saw me as a player with a lot of potential and a big chance to become the number one goalkeeper. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper was supposed to leave, but in the end, it didn’t happen. And after four games, where we lost all of them, the entire coaching staff that brought me to the club was replaced. The situation changed 180 degrees, and the plan presented to me by the club was turned upside down,” Niemczycki explained.
This season, Niemczycki has made only one appearance on the pitch. There have been reports that he may return to the Ekstraklasa, with Stal Mielec expressing interest in the goalkeeper. Niemczycki has also hinted at a possible move, stating that his priority this winter is to find a club that will give him the most playing time.
„For now, nothing is set in stone, but my priority this winter will definitely be to find a club that gives me the most chances to get back into the rhythm of playing games. I’ll choose a club that will give me the best opportunity to do so,” Niemczycki said.
Statistics:
* Niemczycki has played only 4 games in the German Bundesliga since his move in 2023.
* He has made only one appearance on the pitch this season.
* Darmstadt 98 has lost all four games that Niemczycki has played in this season.
Current Situation:
* Niemczycki is currently playing for Darmstadt 98 in the German 2. Bundesliga.
* He has expressed interest in returning to the Ekstraklasa, with Stal Mielec being a potential suitor.
* Niemczycki’s priority is to find a club that will give him regular playing time.
What’s Next:
* Niemczycki will likely look to move to a club that will give him a chance to start regularly, either in the Ekstraklasa or abroad.
* The winter transfer window will be crucial for Niemczycki, as he looks to revive his career and get back to his best form.
More here:
Karol Niemczycki: The Rise and Fall of a Polish Goalkeeper in Germany
