The 1. FC Magdeburg has officially announced the signing of Dariusz Stalmach, the 19-year-old Polish midfielder from AC Milan, marking a significant new chapter for both the player and the club. The transfer was finalized on February 4, 2025, coinciding with the last day of the winter transfer period.
Born on December 8, 2005, in Tarnowskie Góry, Poland, Stalmach began his football career with the junior team of Górnik Zabrze. He quickly moved up the ranks, making his professional debut at just 15 years old. During his time at Górnik Zabrze, he played 20 matches in Poland's top league, the Ekstraklasa, and also made appearances in the Polish Cup.
Stalmach’s promising talents caught the eye of AC Milan, leading to his move to the Italian giants during the summer of 2022. At Milan, he played extensively for the U-20 side, showcasing his skills with four goals and six assists across 54 matches, and made contributions to the UEFA Youth League team as well.
Initially, 1. FC Magdeburg had plans to sign Stalmach during the summer of 2025. Otmar Schork, the club's sporting director, stated, "Dariusz is a young, developing player who brings a lot of potential. It was originally planned to sign him in the summer of 2025. Suddenly, the opportunity arose to bring him in immediately." This timely acquisition speaks volumes about the pressing needs of Magdeburg as they aim for promotion.
Christian Titz, the head coach of Magdeburg, expressed his enthusiasm about the signing, saying, "I am pleased we were able to realize Dariusz's move early. With him, we get a highly talented midfielder." This optimism reveals the potential Stalmach has to contribute to the team's ambitions, especially as they battle for promotion from the second tier of German football.
For 1. FC Magdeburg, which currently sits third on the promotion playoff spot, Stalmach's signing is seen as strategic reinforcement for their midfield. The club's management is betting on his abilities to play both central and defensive midfield roles, gaining insight from his past experiences at AC Milan where he was a regular starter.
Financially, the transfer deal is reportedly around 250,000 Euros, with potential bonuses based on performance. Notably, Milan does not hold any buy-back option, allowing Magdeburg to secure the talented player’s services without the looming threat of losing him back to the Serie A side.
Stalmach's arrival at Magdeburg forms part of a broader strategy as the club aims to strengthen its squad during this pivotal stage of the season. Competing within such strong competition as the 2. Bundesliga, the expectations on Stalmach will be high, and fans are eager to see how quickly he adapts to his new environment.
Stalmach has already experience competing at international levels. He has represented Poland’s U-20 national team, and his development has shown significant promise, adding to the excitement surrounding his professional career. His performance statistics reflect not only his skill but also his ability to contribute effectively to any team on the field.
The addition of Dariusz Stalmach to 1. FC Magdeburg may turn out to be a decisive factor as the club pushes for promotion. His youthful vigor and experience within competitive club environments can provide much-needed momentum going forward, especially as the season winds down
With lofty ambitions, 1. FC Magdeburg is banking on Stalmach's capabilities to make his mark on German football, and all eyes will be on him as he dons the Magdeburg jersey for the first time.