SC Freiburg have looked to solve their defensive issues with the signing of former VfB Stuttgart centre-back Georg Niedermeier.

With injuries to last season’s regular partnership at the back Marc-Oliver Kempf and Marc Torrejon, the 30-year-old signs on a free transfer following his release from relegated Stuttgart in the summer.

He is Freiburg’s eight signing of the summer following their promotion back to the Bundesliga. No contract details have been announced.

Experienced Bundesliga defender

Niedermeier is a veteran of 148 Bundesliga games, all with Stuttgart between 2009 and 2016. He joined the Swabians, initially on loan, having come through the system at Bayern Munich, without playing for their first team.

He was a regular for Stuttgart throughout his time there, and stood in as captain on several occasions, including what turned out to be his final game for the club against Werder Bremen at the end of last season.

Niedermeier tussling with Frieburg's Jan Rosenthal in 2013. | Photo: T-Online/Heuberger/imago
Niedermeier tussling with Frieburg's Jan Rosenthal in 2013. | Photo: T-Online/Heuberger/imago

He also scored twelve goals for the club over his time there, but two own goals as well, both of which were last season against Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Even though unsuccessful, his experience from last year’s relegation battle could come in handy should Freiburg struggle over the course of this season.

Niedermeier wants to play his part

Freiburg’s sporting director Klemens Hartenbach had this to say on the club’s new signing. “He brings his Bundesliga experience, physically, heading ability and mentality a few qualities that will be good for our team in the Bundesliga. We had intensive discussions and are convinced that George can help us quickly.”

I had good discussions with the club’s management and want to play my part at Freiburg to help achieve our goals and have a successful season,” said Niedermeier himself.

Niedermeier will offer important defensive relief for Freiburg. Kempf has been ruled out for three months with a meniscus injury, whilst Torrejon is out for a month with ligament damage in his ankle.

Caglar Söyüncü and Manuel Gulde, who both joined the club in the summer, started with captain Julian Schuster, usually a midfielder, in a back three for Freiburg in their opening weekend defeat at Hertha BSC.

Quotes via SC Freiburg.

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