Hoffenheim sign attacking midfielder Bittencourt from Cologne

Hoffenheim have completed the transfer of attacking midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt from Cologne, the German football club announced.

Bittencourt joins from relegated Cologne after putting pen to paper on a contract until June 2023, Hoffenheim said on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Leonardo Bittencourt is a technically gifted and agile player who has a great acceleration. He is extremely difficult to defend in a one-on-one," sporting director Alexander Rosen told the club's official home page.

The new arrival played since summer 2015 for Hoffenheim and provided 11 goals and 12 assists in 67 competitive appearances.

"Excellent work has been done in Hoffenheim for years and the fact that several players made into the national team from there, is an reference that impresses me as an ambitious young player.

"Julian Nagelsmann has convinced me as a coach and, I am sure that I will benefit greatly from his work," Bittencourt said.

Hoffenheim completed the Bundesliga season 2017-2018 in the third place and booked their ticket for next season's UEFA Champions League group stage.

--IANS

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