Sanogo seeks new start with Hoffenheim

Bundesliga leaders TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have signed striker Boubacar Sanogo on loan from Werder Bremen as a replacement for the injured Vedad Ibišević, with the Ivorian saying: "Maybe I will have a chance to play more at Hoffenheim."

Big gap
The 26-year-old, who is under contract at Bremen until 2011, has joined Hoffenheim until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer. "Not only does Boubacar speak German, he also knows the Bundesliga very well," said Hoffenheim general manager Jan Schindelmeiser. "Sanogo is the type of player who can fill the gap left by Vedad Ibišević."

Serious injury
Top scorer in the Bundesliga with 18 goals in the autumn, the 24-year-old Ibišević is unlikely to play again this season after tearing cruciate ligaments in a friendly game against Hamburger SV. Sanogo will look to impress in his absence, having found first-team football hard to come by in his second season at Bremen, scoring one league goal in eight Bundesliga games − seven as a substitute − and making three appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

'Happy and sad'
"There has been a degree of discontent on the player's side as well as on our side in the past months," said Werder sporting director Klaus Allofs. "After long consideration, we have agreed to this deal for the benefit of all sides." Sanogo added: "It all came as a surprise. I am happy and sad at the same time. I have been happy here, but maybe I will have a chance to play more at Hoffenheim." Bremen meet AC Milan in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 next month.