Bence Haverkampf’s breakout season on loan at Pro Recco may soon be rewarded with a permanent place in the Ferencváros senior team, as the Hungarian champions prepare to recall the 19-year-old German-born youngster at the end of the season.
After joining the Italian giants on a season-long loan in 2024, the young utility player has rapidly proven his worth in one of Europe’s most demanding environments. His strong performances helped Recco lift the Coppa Italia. Despite trailing 1-0 to Brescia in the Italian league playoff final series, the campaign has already been a success for both club and player.
Now, with his loan agreement set to expire, sources close to FTC-Telekom suggest that Haverkampf is increasingly likely to be recalled and integrated into the first-team squad next season.
From Berlin to Budapest—and Beyond
Haverkampf’s rise has been fast and impressive. Born in Berlin in 2006, he moved to Hungary at age 16 to join Ferencváros, convinced by head coach Balázs Nyéki that Budapest would be the right environment for his development. The gamble paid off.
A standout in Fradi’s youth setup, Haverkampf made his OB I debut in 2022 and featured in over 20 senior matches before his move to Italy. His performances also drew attention at international level, where he played key roles in Hungary’s U16 and U18 world title wins in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
Last summer, Pro Recco—looking to refresh their squad after several high-profile departures—moved quickly to secure Haverkampf on loan. What was initially a bold opportunity soon turned into a breakthrough.
A Season of Growth in Italy
Playing alongside stars like Francesco Di Fulvio, Aaron Younger, and Ben Hallock, Haverkampf adapted quickly to the physical and tactical demands of elite-level water polo. Though initially brought in as a depth option, he earned regular minutes in the Italian league and Euro Cup campaign, with coaches at Recco impressed by his energy, positioning, and rapidly improving strength.
“He’s grown a lot this season,” said one source familiar with Recco’s training sessions. “You could see his learning curve accelerate as the months went on. He listens, he competes, and he’s fearless. He doesn’t look out of place at all.”
A Return with Purpose
According to Nyéki Balázs, Ferencváros’ plan has always been to re-integrate Haverkampf once he was ready to challenge for a place.
“We signed him to a long-term deal because we believe in his future,” Nyéki said last year. “We wanted him to play regularly, and that wasn’t guaranteed here. But if the situation changes—and it could—we’ll bring him back.”
That moment may have arrived. With several players potentially leaving Ferencváros in the summer and Haverkampf’s stock rising fast, the time could be right for the Berlin-born yongster to take the next step in green and white.
Another Loan next season?
There are also rumours that Bence Haverkampf could be loaned to Jug Dubrovnik next season. FTC’s coaching staff are reportedly open to the move, believing he could benefit greatly from working under Vjekoslav Kobešćak and take on an even bigger role in the Croatian side’s rotation, before returning to Nepliget for the 2026/27 season.
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