Hoffenheim complete signing of Hungarian center back
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim confirmed the pick up of Hungarian defender Attila Szalai earlier this evening.
Previously linked with a move to 1. FC Union Berlin, German rumor mills have been actively claiming for some time that Hungarian defender Attila Szalai had proven a mite too expensive for Germany's Eisernen. The 25-year-old center back found a more willing taker in the form of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, who were willing to shell out a reported €15 million for him.
After multiple sources reported that the deal was through, the transfer was finally confirmed by the German club earlier this evening. Germany's Kicker Magazine reports that die Kraichgauer have actually purchased Szalai for around €12.3 million from his Turkish club Fenerbahçe. With Szalai, John Anthony Brooks, and Stanley Nsoki, Hoffenheim now have three left-footed center backs on their roster.
"It is our clear goal to further stabilize our defense and Attila has proven his qualities internationally," TSG sporting director Alexander Rosen noted in a statement accompanying the signing, "Apart from that, the fans can look forward to a great guy with a wonderful charisma."
"I had several options for my sporting future, but made a conscious decision to join TSG Hoffenheim," the player himself added, "I really wanted to play in the Bundesliga and I'm convinced that it's the right move for me."