Midfielder Marcel Hartel scored in the 72nd minute against Real Salt Lake to earn his team St. Louis City SC to 1-1 draw. Now reports are that Marcel Hartel heading back Germany to play for Hannover 96 who plays in the 2nd division Bundesliga after CITY SC have reached a full agreement for a transfer fee of less than $1M and a contract until 2029. The move by St. Louis City Soccer fans is a shock but according to reports his was a personal move by Marcel who wanted to return to Germany to be closer to his family. The club had been working with him for months to find a solution that would allow him to fulfil his desire to return home.

For the 2026 season Hartel score six goals and three assists for St. Louis and overall scored 18 goals and provided 17 assists for CITY SC since arriving in 2024 as a Designated Player. He has started in 58 of his 59 appearances with St. Louis. He came off the bench last Saturday against Real Salt Lake and scored the tying goal that extended City SC’s unbeaten streak nine-matches.