On Wednesday, Hannover 96 confirmed that they had signed Norway under-21 international Iver Fossum from Strømsgodset IF. The attacker has signed a "long-term" deal at the HDI-Arena, and will wear the number 18. There has been no mention of a transfer fee, although transfermarkt estimate it to be just shy of €1m.
Fossum's form is encouraging
Fossum, 19, joins on the back of a very impressive season with Strømsgodset, who finished second in the Tippeligaen last term. He contributed 11 goals and nine assists in their battle to secure UEFA Europa League football, with just four points separating themselves and Viking in fifth. Comfortable playing as the striker or just behind the front man, he will add some much needed goals to a Hannover side that have managed just 18 goals in 19 games.
Aside from Artur Sobiech's four-goal haul, just one other centre forward, Charliston Benschop, has managed to grab a goal. That means that the burden has fallen on the likes of Salif Sané and Leon Andreasen to start contributing to the attacking play; Hiroshi Kiyotake and Kenan Karaman are the only other attacking players to score more than once.
Bader and Fossum delighted with the deal
Sporting director, Martin Bader couldn't hide his excitement at the move, "Iver is an under-21 international and is already a first-team regular at his young age. He was a top performer at his old club and we are absolutely delighted that he has joined Hannover."
Fossum himself said, "Hannover and the Bundesliga are very well-known in Norway, and a lot of my fellow countrymen have had very successful careers here. I love German football and I'm looking forward to the opportunity here." After Hotaru Yamaguchi, Fossum is the club's second January arrival.