Borussia Mönchengladbach announced the signing of highly-rated midfielder Florian Neuhaus on Friday, although he is to be immediately loaned out to Fortuna Düsseldorf for the coming season.
Meanwhile Ohis Felix Uduokhai, who like Neuhaus was previously on the books of 1860 Munich, has signed with VfL Wolfsburg.
Both had been released by the Lions following their demotion to the Regionalliga Bavaria, as their contracts were not eligible at that level.
Gladbach entrust Düsseldorf to further Neuhaus development
Neuhaus only made his debut for 1860 in October of last year, however the German under-20 international made a strong impression in his 15 appearances, and he scored his first goal for the club in the first leg of their relegation play-off with SSV Jahn Regensburg in May, which they ultimately lost.
And on Friday, Gladbach won the clamour for his signature with the 20-year-old signing what the club described as “a long-term contract.” Sporting director Max Eberl described him as “a very interesting young player.”
However he will not be making the step up to the Bundesliga straight away, as the Foals have loaned him straight to Düsseldorf, with Eberl explaining that “it’s important for him to continue to gain experience at a high level.”
Düsseldorf have described him on their website as “a big talent,” whilst Neuhaus had praise for his temporary new club, saying how they were known for developing young players. He also said that he was “looking forward” to the upcoming season.
A big step up for Uduokhai
Also moving on to pastures new on Friday was centre-back Uduokhai, who also made his first appearances for 1860 last season. After a brief debut from the bench against 1. FC Nürnberg, he immediately became a regular starter once given his full debut a few weeks later against Erzgebirge Aue, appearing 22 in total by the end of the campaign.
Still only 19, he has now joined Wolfsburg as their fifth new signing of the summer and they have put a clear investment in his future by offering him a five-year deal. With the presence of John Anthony Brooks, Jeremy Bruma and Robin Knoche though, regular first team football may be difficult to come by in the short term.
Wolfsburg sporting director Olaf Rebbe said that the club are “delighted” that he will “take his next steps in professional football” with the Wolves. He believes that Uduokhai is “highly-talented, physically robust and technically gifted,” and that the club believes he can “establish himself in the Bundesliga” with them.
A full day of business on Friday also saw the club part company with two fringe players. Goalkeeper Patrick Drewes has joined 3. Liga side Würzburger Kickers, and Leandro Putaro has moved permanently to Arminia Bielefeld following a loan spell there.
Quotes via Borussia Mönchengladbach, Fortuna Düsseldorf and VfL Wolfsburg.