Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

Bayer Leverkusen sign forward Kevin Volland from Hoffenheim

Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Kevin Volland from Hoffenheim on a five-year deal.

Volland, 23, will make the switch to the club -- which will be competing in next season's Champions League -- after scoring 33 goals and contributing a further 38 assists in 132 Bundesliga matches for Hoffenheim.

He has also won six caps for Germany, but has not been selected in the squad for next month's European Championship in France.

Volland is Leverkusen's fourth signing for the 2016-17 season. On Thursday the club announced the transfer of Mainz midfielder Julian Baumgartlinger, and earlier this month they also recalled holding midfielder Jonas Meffert from Karlsruhe and right-back Danny da Costa from Ingolstadt.

"I felt extremely well at the Kraichgau, and only last year prolonged my contract despite other options," Volland said on the official Leverkusen website.

"But I now want to take the chance to make the switch to a top club like Leverkusen and play Champions League there. Bayer are the ideal club to continue my development and present myself on the international stage."

The versatile forward, who scored eight and set up 10 as Hoffenheim avoided relegation from the upper tier this term, has received praise from Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller.

"With his speed, his force and his firing power he will enhance our attacking line," Voller said. "We are delighted to have beaten several competitors to his signature."

Volland came through the ranks at 1860 Munich and, according to kicker, Leverkusen are paying a club record transfer fee of €20 million for the forward.

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