TSG Hoffenheim sign Bernardo Fernandes da Silva Junior

"Bernardo is an experienced and uncompromising defender who should provide our defence with significantly more stability. He is also a versatile player and can play in several positions across the back line," said Andreas Schicker, the Managing Director for Sport at TSG, who added: "He has repeatedly proven his ability at a high level in the Bundesliga and the English Premier League in recent years. Above all, he has impressed with his irrepressible desire to defend his own goal. A quality that will definitely do our squad good. Bernardo has drawn the interest of a number of other clubs, so we're delighted that he has decided with full conviction to move to TSG Hoffenheim."

Bernardo Fernandes da Silva Junior completed a transfer from RB Salzburg in Austria to then German Bundesliga club VfL Bochum in August 2023. The Brazilian immediately became an undisputed starter for the Ruhr outfit and was an integral component of Bochum's defence. Over the last two seasons, Bernardo has made a total of 56 appearances (one goal) for VfL in the Bundesliga, the Bundesliga relegation play-offs and the DFB-Pokal. 

The 30-year-old Brazilian was under contract in Salzburg from January 2016 to August 2023, but was also sent out on loan to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League during that time. For Salzburg, Bernardo made 93 competitive appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga, the ÖFB-Cup, the Champions League and Champions League qualifying during his stay (five goals / four assists). The defender played 39 Premier League games for Brighton & Hove Albion in England and also amassed 40 Bundesliga appearances for RB Leipzig.