Kevin Großkreutz is back in the Bundesliga.
Großkreutz returns to Bundesliga after short Super Lig stint
The German fullback and winger was signed by VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday for a fee of around £1.5 million after training with the club in Die Schwaben's training base, which is located in Belek, Turkey.
"I’m really looking forward to my new job and to getting to know the whole team," he said on the club's official website. "The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world. I can’t wait to get stuck in and help VfB reach their objectives."
Großkreutz, 27, had been with Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray AS prior to signing with Stuttgart, but had been unable to perform until January 1st due to the club's lack of promptness in turning in transfer documents before the window closed. Galatasaray had acquired him from hometown club Borussia Dortmund for £1.05 million.
Großkreutz played for Dortmund from 2009 to 2015, known for his versatility around the pitch. Able to play any position on either side of the pitch, he made 176 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund and accrued 23 goals and 28 assists in his time with the Black and Yellow.
The German football version of Inspector Gadget won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Dortmund in 2010-11 and 2011-12, additionally winning the 2012 DFB-Pokal. Großkreutz also raised the 2014 FIFA World Cup as a member of the champion German national team, though he did not appear in the tournament.
Stuttgart right now
Großkreutz is not Stuttgart's only acquisition of the current winter transfer window, as it follows the signing of Dynamo Kyiv's Artem Kravets on loan. The club currently is 15th in the league table, just avoiding relegation with their 15 points through 17 matches.
Stuttgart resume Bundesliga play on the 23rd of January, when they will travel to face 1. FC Köln.