Fortuna Düsseldorf have announced the arrival of Marcel Sobottka from Schalke 04 on a three-year deal.
The 21-year-old was previously with Schalke and then switched to SG Wattenscheid 09 and RW Oberhausen before returning to Gelsenkirchen - where he spent a total of 11 years in their youth ranks.
Sobottka can be used at centre-back, as well as at his natural defensive midfield position, and this will be of great benefit to new coach, Frank Kramer. The former SpVgg Greuther Fürth boss has began to stamp has authority on the squad, and the ex-Schalke starlet is another piece of the puzzle.
Room to grow in Düsseldorf
Having appeared for both Germany's under-19 and 20 sides, it's easy to see why Sobottka is so highly sought-after - something Rachid Azzouzi eluded to during his official presentation to the media. While he has made the first-team bench for Schalke, there was to be no time on the pitch.
He has plenty of competition when it comes to the defensive midfield role. Julian Koch, Christopher Avevor, Oliver Fink, Christian Gartner and Sérgio da Silva Pinto mean that Sobottka will need to work extremely hard to force his way into the starting line-up.
Sobottka, Azzouzi and Heldt have their say
"I look forward to my new challenge in Fortuna and especially the super fans in a great stadium," said Sobottka. "I want to help ensure that we play attractive football, and are successful. The goal should be to win as many games as possible."
Azzouzi cited his heading abilities, as well as being "strong in the tackle" as two key qualities but admits he "also has a good passing game and a good mentality".
Horst Heldt, the Royal Blues' general manager, also gave his thoughts on the move. "We have agreed with Marcel that he should get some match practice what we currently can not guarantee it," he said. "He is a player with very high potential to develop development, therefore, we have secured a buyback option."
Quotes via kicker and Fortuna Düsseldorf's official website.