Official: Mijat Gacinovic and Steven Zuber swap clubs
Mijat Gacinovic and Steven Zuber have swapped clubs.
Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim have completed a swap deal for Mijat Gacinovic and Steven Zuber.
Gacinovic has left Frankfurt to join Hoffenheim on a four-year deal while Zuber moves in the opposite direction, joining Frankfurt on a deal until 2023.
"A little melancholy on the one hand, but a great deal of anticipation on the other. We're losing a real constant in our squad, but at the same time we bring in a highly exciting player with a profile that we haven't had lately," said Hoffenheim chief Alexander Rosen in a statement.
"Highly regarded in the team and at the club for his modest nature and self-sacrificing playing style, Mijat has everything you want in an experienced Bundesliga player," said Frankfurt sporting director Bruno Hübner on Gacinovic's departure.
"After intensive and honest discussions, we came to the conslusion that a change of scenery might help him to get the decisive percentages out of himself. We wish him the greatest possible success - as long as it's not against us," he added.
"With the signing of Steven Zuber, we are strengthening ourselves in several positions at the same time," said Frankfurt chief Fredi Bobic and continued:
"On the one hand, he expands out possibilities on the wings, on the other hand he can also play in central midfield. He knows the Bundesliga, has international experience as a Swiss international, is dangerous in front of goal and can further enrich our squad with his qualities."
Gacinovic, 25, spent five years at Frankfurt, making 157 appearances with 10 goals and 18 assists to his name.
After joining Hoffenheim in 2014, Zuber, 28, went on to play 115 games for the club, racking up 10 goals and nine assists.