Triple boost to Hannover
Monday, February 2, 2004
Article summary
Hannover 96 have strengthened their squad in three key areas on deadline day with Abel Xavier among the recruits.
Article body
Free transfer
Former Russian international midfield player Vladimir But has joined on a one-and-a-half year deal. The 26-year-old was a free agent after his contract with another Bundesliga side, SC Freiburg, expired last summer.
Striking addition
Hannover have also recruited a striker, with 27-year-old Bosnian Stanko Svitlica arriving from Polish club Legia Warszawa for an estimated €200,000. He has agreed a contract until 2006.
Xavier's day
The third addition is former Portuguese international defender Abel Xavier. A free agent, the 31-year-old will spend the next season and a half with Hannover.
Two loans
The club have also allowed midfield player Danijel Stefulj to move to second division 1. FC Nürnberg and forward Jirí Štajner to join AC Sparta Praha. Both are loan deals until June.