Hannover 96 have today confirmed their third summer signing. German full-back Oliver Sorg completed his move to the Reds from relegated SC Freiburg, signing a four-year contract on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old, who has spent his entire career at Breisgau since moving from FC Singen back in 2007, joins for an undisclosed fee - believed to be about €3m - following the Baden-Wurttemberg-based club's relegation to the 2. Bundesliga.
Sorg was being chased by BVB and Schalke
Oliver Sorg's move was in the pipeline as he was one the most impressive players under Christian Streich in the last few seasons, when he also gained experience in the Europa League.
Even national coach Joachim Löw became aware of the 25-year-old right-back, who is evidence of Freiburg's great youth work, and he made his debut at Germany's 0-0 against Poland in their friendly - shortly before Germany's World Cup victory in Brazil in 2014.
After their 1-2 defeat to Hannover on 23th May 2015, the hosts avoided relegation and meant Freiburg would play second division football.
Sorg has been heavily linked with moves to Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund and Hamburger SV. Yesterday, local paper Neue Presse came out with a quote of H96 president Martin Kind, which confirmed the Bundesliga side's interest in Sorg.
On Tuesday, the German international, whose contract at Freiburg would have expired in 2016, finally completed his medical and signed a four-year deal.
Dufner delighted with Sorg's signing
Hannover director Dirk Dufner, who had his contract extended until next season along with head coach and 'saviour' Michael Frontzeck, was full of praise for the 25-year-old, who can still be labeled a talent because of his great potential.
"He's a versatile defender who, with his experience, his attitude and his character, will fit into our team excellently," Dufner told to the club's official website.
Oliver Sorg is also delighted with his move to Hannover: "I think this is the right step for me." He praised "the club, its environment and the city of Hannover," as well.
The signing was not only a boost for the team's squad but also showed their good bargaining power, as Sorg snubbed the interest of BVB and Schalke to complete his move to Lower Saxony.