Würzburger Kickers, via their official media channels, today announced the signing of 1860 München defensive midfielder Emmanuel Taffertshofer on a two and a half year deal. Both sides agreed to keep the fee paid by die Rothosen undisclosed.
Another on the production line
Taffertshofer is a product of the famed die Löwen academy that has produced the likes of Kevin Volland and Sven Bender in years gone by. He made his first team debut against Karlsruher SC in October, and also started against FSV Frankfurt at the back end of December; but the majority of the midfielder's action came with 1860's second side in the Regionalliga Bayern, where he scored one and assisted the same.
As such, with opportunities at the Allianz Arena seemingly limited, the Landsberg native made the decision to move to the 3. Liga side.
High praise from new employers
The midfielder was seemingly pleased with his move to Northern Franconia, saying: "I immediately noticed in my discussions with the club, that something successful was being built in Würzburg. Here I can develop myself and grow with the club."
Die Rothosen boss Bernd Hollerbach also commented on the move and is pleased with the quality Taffertshofer will bring to his Kickers-Stadion outfit. "We have used to opportunity to sign a player with great potential - with him we continue to grow in size and quality," the former Hamburger SV and FC St. Pauli player told the club website.
Würzburg have adapted well with life in the 3. Liga, after securing promotion by beating 1. FC Saarbrücken on penalties. They currently sit in 11th place during the annual winter break and - barring disaster - they should stave off relegation with sides such as Stuttgarter Kickers, VfB Stuttgart II and Werder Bremen II languishing well below them.
The former die Löwen man will face competition from the likes of the established Rico Benatelli and Nejmeddin Daghfous; but the addition of a player with the pedigree of Taffertshofer will certainly strengthen Würzburger Kickers as a team and improve their survival chances.