MSV Duisburg have strengthened their midfield with the signing of James Holland on a one-year deal. He will wear the number 23 at his new club.
After a 3-1 defeat to 1. FC Kaiserslautern in their opening 2. Bundesliga game and Enis Hajri's injury, it quickly became apparent that the Zebras needed reinforcements in the defensive midfield area. James Holland, who they were chasing before the game, has finally been confirmed as the man for the number six role.
A deal that will benefit both parties
Previously at Austria Wien, Holland has also enjoyed spells with Sparta Rotterdam, AZ Alkmaar and Newcastle United Jets. The Australian international won the Austrian Bundesliga with the Wien side, and made 126 appearances for them before being released this summer.
He has featured 16 times for the Australia national team, and was even included in their 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil. At just 26, Holland will be hoping he can use this move as a spring board to earn more caps for the Socceroos.
Grlic, Lettieri and Holland have their say
"I am pleased that we have signed James [Holland]," said sporting director Ivo Grlic. He continued, saying his new signing is "an experienced player" who has played at "a high level internationally". Grlic believes that Holland has "strengthened the team with his experience" and "his fits well into the team".
"We were able to sign James a player who, although he is still very young, already has a lot of experience," confirmed head coach Gino Lettieri. The Italian spoke of Holland's "leading role" with Austria Wien and that he gave them "a positive impression", saying he is "convinced" about what he can bring to Duisburg.
"I am delighted to be here," said Holland, who was also speaking to the club website. "I hope I can help the team and together we can achieve our goal of avoiding relegation!"