ホルシュタイン・キール
Bartels began his career at TSV Russee and later played for SpVgg Eidertal Molfsee before joining Holstein Kiel in 2002. In 2005 Bartels moved up to Holstein Kiel II. Later that year he broke into the first team squad at Kiel, before joining Hansa Rostock of the Bundesliga in 2007.