Bayer 04 sign Kerem Demirbay

"In Kerem Demirbay we have gained a technically skilled and strategic midfielder who can also score goals," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Kerim was an absolute key player at Hoffenheim and he will be an important factor for us in meeting our targets next season," added Rolfes.

For Demirbay, who joined Hoffenheim in 2016 from Hamburg SV, the move is: "The next step after three really great years at TSG. Bayer 04 have always played attractive, attacking football," declared the 25-year-old. "That style suits me and I'm really looking forward to being part of this team."

Sporting managing director Rudi Völler underlined that Demirbay's signing is "a clear signal of our ambitions. We have big plans for next season but  first we want to qualify for European competition," said Völler. "For, hopefully, three competitions we need top players like Kerem Demirbay.