Hoffenheim sign Lenz on a free

Berlin-native Christopher Lenz has inked a contract for his fourth Bundesliga club. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim signed the former Hertha BSC academy man on a free Thursday afternoon. The 29-year-old - who has amassed 98 Bundesliga appearances for Union Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt, and RB Leipzig - was available to anyone after his expiring contract with the German Red Bulls was not renewed at the end of last season.  

After Valentine Gendrey, Arthur Chaves, and Robin Hranac, Lenz is the fourth new defender to join die Kraichgauer in the last couple of weeks. TSG trainer Pellegrino Matarazzo ha an acute need at the left-wingback position following a serious injury to David Jurasek. Austrian international Alexander Prass has been working the position in the first two league games, meaning Lenz (as he was at Leipzig) appears destined to serve as a back-up. 

“Christopher is an experienced Bundesliga playe who can play both at left-back and on the left flank,” TSG interim sporting director Frank Kramer noted in a statement, “He will therefore complement our squad in these positions and be an alternative due to the high number of games this season and possible injury-related absences. What's more, he will be an excellent fit for our team on a personal level.”