Serge Gnabry officially joins Hoffenheim on loan

In continuing the trend of announcing major transfer news on players’ birthdays, it was officially announced today that birthday-boy Serge Gnabry (22 today) would join TSG Hoffenheim on a one-year loan for next season.

We reported yesterday that a deal seemed imminent, as the two clubs hammered out the last details, including the fee. That amount has not yet been disclosed.

The move makes perfect sense for developing player in search of playing time. As Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explained,

Serge expressed a wish to go out on loan for a year in order to get more match experience. He’s guaranteed to get that at a high level in Hoffenheim. After a year Serge will return to FC Bayern. On behalf of the club I wish Serge Gnabry all the best in Hoffenheim and also thank Hoffenheim for the earnest and constructive discussions which led to this agreement.

Hoffenheim’s manager Alexander Rosen stated (via kicker) that he is glad “this personnel matter, which attacted considerable public notice, has now been positively concluded.” Rosen added that Gnabry “gives further components to Hoffenheim’s game. He is an extremely fast player and a major goal threat.” Gnabry himself was apparently excited about Hoffenheim early in their discussions.