Maximilian Beister joins Mainz on free transfer

Former Hamburg midfielder Maximilian Beister has joined league rivals Mainz to remain in the Bundesliga, the "Nuellfuenfer" said.

Beister had just voided his contract with Hamburg following an injury-riddled six-year spell and was as a free agent on the transfer market, reported Xinhua news agency.

Mainz agreed on a three-year deal with Maximilian Beister after the departure of striker Shinji Okazaki to Premier League outfit Leicester City.

"Maximilian Beister's style of play fits perfectly to Mainz. We have not signed him as a replacement for Shinji Okazaki.

"Maximilian Beister has played for several years in Germany's highest division, we were aware of his qualities for a long time," Mainz' sporting director Christian Heidel said on Saturday.

Beister said: "I am delighted about the chance to prove myself in Mainz. I had very good talks with those responsible. I hope to contribute to the club success with good performances."

Mainz completed the last Bundesliga season on the 11th place of the standings. They encounter newly promoted Ingolstadt for their opener of the Bundesliga campaign 2015-2016 on August 15.