Official: Hoffenheim win race for highly-rated German youth international | OneFootball

TSG Hoffenheim have prevailed in the race to sign 18-year-old striker Deniz Zeitler from FC Ingolstadt.

The Bundesliga outfit confirmed the signing of the German youth international, who had also been linked with VfB Stuttgart, on Thursday.

Zeitler has signed a long-term contract with Hoffenheim.

“Deniz is a highly talented player who, at just 18 years old, still has huge potential to develop, which makes him clearly a signing for the future. He can play in various attacking positions and really made a name for himself last season with his impressive performances and goals for Ingolstadt in the 3. Liga,” said TSG Hoffenheim’s managing director of sport, Andreas Schicker.

“Our goal is to develop him into a Bundesliga player over time, and we’re convinced he will make his mark here at TSG. Deniz attracted strong interest from other top clubs this summer, so we’re very pleased that he ultimately chose to join TSG with full conviction.”

Zeitler scored 10 goals in 38 appearances for Ingolstadt, who play in the 3. Liga. He made his debut for Germany’s U19 national team in May.