1. FC Heidenheim have, on Tuesday, announced the arrival of Denis Thomalla on a loan deal until the end of the season. The 23-year-old joins from reigning Polish champions Lech Poznan and will wear the number 11.
Lack of games at Leipzig
After losing one former RB Leipzig striker - in the form of Daniel Frahn - they have replaced him with another.
Thomalla spent two seasons in Leipzig after arriving from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, where he spent the majority of his youth career.
The versatile forward made four Bundesliga appearances, albeit all were short-lived, in a four-season stint in Sinsheim. He was previously with Karlsruher SC.
Promise with Ried
While with Leipzig, Thomalla struggled to find the back of the net and managed just three goals in 21 games.
A lack of game time sparked a loan move that saw him recapture the goalscoring knack he had shown earlier in his career.
While with SV Ried in the Austrian Bundesliga, the forward scored 10 goals and added seven assists in 30 appearances - a much better return.
Poor form in Poland
However, a move always seemed likely and Thomalla got his wish. The German joined Lech Poznan in the summer and has regularly been in the side.
27 games and two goals into his Poland move, he is now back on home soil with Heidenheim.
Likely to get plenty of football with himself, Smail Morabit and Andreas Voglsammer all competing for a place up front, it could be just the trick to rekindle his form.
Sanwald has his say
Holger Sanwald spoke of his delight at capturing Thomalla, "We are pleased that we could win a young player for our attack in Denis Thomalla, who is already experienced."
The Heidenheim director, talking to the club website, added: "We hope that he will quickly integrate with us and help us in the attack for the remaining games."