Official | Bologna announce the signing of Hoffenheim’s Stefan Posch | OneFootball

Hoffenheim have today announced the departure of Stefan Posch on a permanent basis to Bologna.

The 26-year-old right-back was signed by Bologna in the summer on an initial loan from Die Kraichgauer. However, the Italian club have decided to exercise their purchase option which is reported to be €5m.

Hoffenheim’s director of football Alexander Rosen said: “Stefan followed the exemplary Hoffenheim path and made a remarkable development at TSG from academy talent to seasoned Bundesliga defender and Austrian senior international.

“After a total of eight years with us, Poschi wanted to take on a new challenge last summer. At FC Bologna he impressed in the past season with strong performances as a goal-threatening right full-back, so that those responsible have now also decided to take the economically attractive purchase option for the player. We wish Poschi all the best for his future in Serie A.”

The Austrian defender would remark: “I matured into a Bundesliga player at TSG Hoffenheim and was even allowed to play internationally with the club in the Champions and Europa Leagues. Looking back, I had a great and successful time in the Kraichgau. That’s why I’ll always be grateful to the club and I wish the club and its fans all the best for the future.”

Posch had appeared 107 times for Hoffenheim since his debut in 2017, where he would also feature in Europe for Der Blau. His performances would even earn him international recognition and Posch has featured 22 times for the Austrian senior side.

Hoffenheim will now look to use the funds generated to help push the side back up the Bundesliga table with Pellegrino Matarazzo in charge. Their twelfth-place finish signalled the worst season for Die Kraichgauer since the 2015/16 campaign.

GGFN | Will Shopland