Jonathan Schmid - Hoffenheim
[article=http://www.achtzehn99.de/tsg-sign-schmid-grifo-joins-freiburg/]TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have completed the signing of Jonathan Schmid from SC Freiburg.
The 24-year-old Frenchman has agreed a contract with the Kraichgau club until 30th June 2019. Vincenzo Grifo will join the relegated Bundesliga club as part of the deal.
“Jonathan Schmid fits in perfectly with our playing style,” said Alexander Rosen, director of football at TSG. “We’re very happy to have strengthened our squad with such a dynamic and versatile player, who is also a weapon from set pieces,” continued Rosen. The attacking talent didn’t just shine as a goalscorer for Freiburg
during the recent Bundesliga campaign, finding the net four times, but his
tally of eleven assists also demonstrates his quality.
The Strasbourg-born attacking midfielder says he is “excited to enter new environment”. After being relegated with SC Freiburg, a club Schmid spent seven “enjoyable and successful” years with, he was determined to continue his development in the Bundesliga. “TSG 1899 Hoffenheim offer the optimal conditions for me to take the next step in my career,” said Schmid.
Jonathan Schmid has made 118 Bundesliga appearances so far. He has been involved in 49 goals in that time, scoring 20 himself and setting up the other 29.
Heading in the other direction – from Hoffenheim to Freiburg – is Vincenzo Grifo. The 22-year-old midfielder, who had a deal with TSG until 30th June 2017, wants to seize the opportunity to take a step forward with SCF. Grifo joined Hoffenheim from Karlsruher SC on a free in July 2012. He was loaned out to then second-division side Dynamo Dresden in January 2014. Following their relegation, he joined FSV Frankfurt on loan and scored seven goals in 33 appearances in the recent second-division campaign.[/article]
Fabian Schar - Hoffenheim (reportedly €5 million)
[article=http://www.achtzehn99.de/fabian-schaer-joins-tsg-from-fc-basel/]TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have completed a further signing for the 2015/16 season. Fabian Schär will move to the Kraichgau from Swiss giants and Champions League last-16 participants FC Basel.
The 23-year-old centre back has signed a contract with the club until 30th June 2019.
“We have taken another step forward in our squad planning with the signing of Fabian Schär,” said Alexander Rosen. Much like with the signing of Jonathan Schmid, who has joined from SC Freiburg, the club have been able to acquire another player who, according to TSG’s director of football, fits the club’s profile perfectly. “
Schär’s build-up play is very good and he is someone who has already been able to gain international experience at a young age, yet still has plenty of potential,” explained Rosen.
Fabian Schär, who has attracted interest from a number of top European clubs, is confident that Hoffenheim will provide him with the perfect conditions to develop further: “There is a young, ambitious team here and a perfect infrastructure.” The Switzerland international said it was “no secret” that he was happy to move abroad, and Alexander Rosen is delighted that Schär has chosen TSG as his preferred destination. “For him to sign for Hoffenheim is certainly confirmation of the great work we are doing here,” said the 36-year-old.
After working his way through the youth setup of his hometown club FC Wil, Fabian Schär moved from their first team to FC Basel 1893 in July 2012. He has featured in 110 competitive games for the Swiss giants, scoring 15 goals. The
6’1’’ defender’s final appearance for the club will come on Sunday, when Basel take on FC Sion in the domestic cup final. Schär was in Switzerland’s squad at the 2014 World Cup and has won twelve caps for the senior national team so far (5 goals). He also played two matches for his country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.[/article]
