Dynamo Dresden confirmed, on Friday, that they had captured forward Stefan Kutschke from 1. FC Nürnberg. The striker joins on a loan deal until the end of the 2016-17 season and will wear the number 30; he is set to join up with the squad at their training camp on Saturday.
A promising start to his career
The 27-year-old has largely flattered to deceive while with his previous clubs, since moving from RB Leipzig, but it keen to get back to scoring form with Dresden. The East German side are currently streaking towards a return to the 2. Bundesliga, 11 points clear of the chasing pack.
Born in the city where he now plays, Kutschke was briefly in the under-19 squad at Dynamo before moving on to SV Babelsberg 03. He helped them earn promotion to the 3. Liga but opted to stay in the division and move to Leipzig - Daniel Frahn, who finished up as Babelsberg's top-scorer, also made the same switch.
Kutschke kicked on again at Leipzig after a poor first season. He helped them earn promotion to the 3. Liga by hitting double figures for goals in two consecutive campaigns, as well as adding 13 assists across the same time span. That earned him a move to big spending Bundesliga side, VfL Wolfsburg.
A difficult few seasons followed
However, things haven't gone well since then. Just two first-team goals between the Wolves, SC Paderborn 07 and Nürnberg. Now, he will try and reinvigorate his career in his home town and offer a different option up front to the 3. Liga's top goalscorer, Justin Eilers, for Dresden.
Kutschke said this on signing for Dynamo, "For me it is very special to be playing for this football club in my hometown." Sporting director, Ralf Minge added: "Stefan brings with a mentality, physical presence and passion for Dynamo Dresden. He will give our game more options and liven up the competition within the team."