Bambasé Conté

Returns to Hoffenheim from loan

Conte has returned to Hoffenheim after his season-long loan at Elversberg expired on June 30, with the club having extended his contract long-term last summer before sending him out.

Analysis: Conte enjoyed a strong campaign at Elversberg, making 25 appearances with four goals and five assists as the club secured a historic first-ever promotion to the Bundesliga, finishing second in the second tier. He played a direct hand in sealing that promotion too, scoring the opener in a 3-0 win over Preussen Munster on the final matchday that confirmed Elversberg's leap to the top flight. Hoffenheim signed off on the extension specifically to keep developing him elsewhere rather than rush him into the first team, and he's now back for pre-season. However, with only seven brief senior appearances at Hoffenheim to his name before this loan, he's unlikely to walk straight into regular Bundesliga minutes. Conte is set to return to Hoffenheim in summer 2026, where his future will then be assessed.