Konstantin Rausch has completed his move to Bundesliga new boys, SV Darmstadt 98, signing on a one-year contract.

Following his move from VfB Stuttgart, the German left-back will be lining up alongside the likes of Tobias Kempe and Jan Rosenthal at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, following their second place finish in the 2. Bundesliga.

Darmstadt manager, Dirk Schuster was happy with the signature of Rausch, who is a “fast, strong-willed player,” who possesses “Bundesliga quality,” which is just what Darmstadt need if they are to stay up.

The former Stuttgart defender was “very happy” to be able to play football at Darmstadt, with the 25-year old saying that discussions with the player, and club officials gave him a “good feeling.”

Journey to Darmstadt, via Hannover and Stuttgart

Born in Koschewnikowo (former USSR), now Tomsk, Rausch made the move to TuS Lachendorf at the age of six. Picked up by Bundesliga side, Hannover 96 at the age of 14, Rausch made his professional debut at the age of 18, after both Michael Tarnat and Christian Schulz missed the game against Stuttgart though injury.

Two days after performing well in his debut, becoming Hannover’s youngest player, Rausch was tied down until 2010, signing his first professional contract.

At 23, Rauch signed for Stuttgart in 2013 on a free transfer, despite the left-back being offered a long term deal, which Rausch did not want.

With 150 games under his belt at Hannover – Rausch started just 16 Bundesliga games in the 2013/14 season, whilst playing just 72 minutes of football last season.

Darmstadt will be getting an experienced defender with Bundesliga experience in their side, having also played in the 2012/13 Europa League for Hannover.

SV Darmstadt 98 have been busy

Schuster has also completed the signing of Fabian Holland on a permanent deal, after impressing on a loan spell, whilst Mario Vrančić has also signed from relegated SC Paderborn 07. Leon Balogun and Hanno Behrens have both left the club.

Darmstadt will kick off their first ever season in the Bundesliga with a home game against Hannover on August 15.