A-League: Wellington Phoenix sign ex-Bundesliga midfielder Matti Steinmann

Matti Steinmann in action with  Hamburger SV.
Matti Steinmann in action with Hamburger SV. Photo credit: Getty

The Wellington Phoenix have confirmed the signing of German midfielder Matti Steinmann from Hamburger SV II on a one-year deal.

Steinmann is the Phoenix's fourth import signing off the offseason and will add plenty of experience to the young squad, having represented Germany at youth level, as well as the Bundesliga's Hamburg.

Now Steinmann says he is looking forward to the new challenge in New Zealand, saying he turned down offers from his homeland to sign with Wellington.

"I have watched the Hyundai A-League a lot so when the offer came in, I knew I would be playing a high level of football," Steinmann said.

"Ufuk is wanting young, hungry players that are technically good which suits my style of play."

Head Coach, Ufuk Talay is excited by the young player’s ability and potential and looks forward to progressing his game here in Wellington.

"He is a very talented young player that can progress into a very dominant midfielder.

"With his international background and playing experience at the top level in Germany, he will bring us that professionalism while still at a young age."

Steinmann played a big part in helping the Germany U-20s side to a quarter-final finish at the 2015 U20 World Cup, which was staged in New Zealand.

Between 2015 and 2017, Steinmann was loaned out to Chemnitzer FC and 1. FSV Mainz 05 II in the German third tier before returning to Hamburg in 2017 and appearing in eight first-team games in the 2017/18 campaign.

Before being loaned out to Danish Superliga side, Vendsyssel FF, the midfielder amassed 77 appearances for Hamburger SV II.

Steinmann's signing leaves the Phoenix with room for one more import player, while they can still sign a further four domestic players.

The Phoenix open their 2019/20 A-League campaign against Western United - coached by former Wellington boss Mark Rudan - on October 13 at Westpac Stadium.

Newshub.