There is still some time left to answer the question of whether Juri Knorr and Renars Uscins will set up a shared apartment or at least decide on neighboring districts. Juri Knorr still has three quarters of a season ahead of him at Danish club Aalborg Handbold; Uscins had a nice few months at TSV Hannover-Burgdorf in the Bundesliga. Then the big, wide world opens up: It has been known for a few months that Uscins will continue his career in the French capital with Paris Saint-Germain from summer 2027.
What’s new: Juri Knorr will accompany him.
Two of the most sought-after German national players will then play for a global club like PSG: That’s quite a message. One that goes against the trend, because the biggest names in world handball are actually right now in change the Bundesliga and not out from the world’s best league, abroad. But this step appeals to Knorr, 26, and Uscins, 24. The ambition should be clear to all sides: PSG has never won the Champions League, and neither have Knorr and Uscins. The elaborately designed European Handball Federation (EHF) trophy, which represents the moment a handball hits the net, is the big goal.
Knorr is one of the “best playmakers in Europe,” said Thierry Omeyer, the former world-class goalkeeper and current managing director at PSG: “His overview, his goal threat and his leadership qualities will be a real asset to our team.” Knorr is also enthusiastic and speaks of an important step in his career, going to a club “that is known for (…) its high standards at the highest level.”
But another point was also important to him. He was “incredibly happy to be at Aalborg Handbold,” said Knorr: “Nevertheless, I would like to take on this new challenge and am therefore very satisfied that I was able to find a solution together with the club that benefits everyone involved.”
“We have no interest in keeping a player who has other plans for the future,” says Aalborg’s team manager
This is primarily of a financial nature, and Aalborg made no secret of it. Knorr’s contract was originally valid until 2028, but Paris bought him out a year before it expired – unlike Uscins, who comes from Lower Saxony on a free transfer. Knorr is still highly valued, said Aalborg team manager Martin Larsen: “Conversely, we have no interest in keeping a player who has other plans for the future.” In any case, the transfer fee that Aalborg receives for Knorr is enormous. For the club, the sale represents a “high financial gain” and a “record transfer”. The exact sum was not mentioned, but it is likely to be several hundred thousand euros. “We can use these funds to further develop the club sportingly and economically,” said Larsen.
At Aalborg, Knorr took his first steps outside Germany. He came from the Rhein-Neckar Löwen and, after initial injury problems, found his way around the team better, alongside top players like Sander Sagosen and Thomas Arnoldsen – his Danish also improved over time. He celebrated the Danish championship and the cup victory once each. But he was never able to assume the role of undisputed leader that some had expected of him in Aalborg.
This is now supposed to happen in Paris. The team is full of top players, the Dutchman Luc Steins plays here, as do the French national players Elohim Prandi and Karl Konan, as well as Ferran Solé (Spain), Bjarki Már Elísson (Iceland) and Luka Karabatic, the brother of the great Nikola Karabatic. Further acquisitions are not ruled out. PSG has already signed a new coach, the Spaniard Roberto García Parrondo (currently MT Melsungen) starts with Knorr and Uscins.
First of all, Knorr has to finish the season properly in Aalborg. And, above all: stay healthy. Before he moves to Paris, there is one more highlight that Knorr wants to be in top shape for: the World Cup in January 2027 in Germany. The goal there is to take part in the final – at least.