By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Freiburg confirm Keitel departure amid Stuttgart links

SC Freiburg have confirmed that Yannik Keitel will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

On Monday, Sky Germany reported that Freiburg's Yannik Keitel has agreed to join VfB Stuttgart when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach has now confirmed that the 23-year-old will leave the club this summer.

"As always, we had an open and very respectful exchange. Yannik has decided for himself that he wants to take on a new challenge this summer," Hartenbach told Kicker, adding that he could see the 23-year-old returning at some point.

"Given our good relationship, I can imagine him playing for SC Freiburg again in a few years," he said.

Keitel has been limited to just six games and 136 minutes for Freiburg this season.

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