Stuttgart secure promise of Gebhart
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Article summary
VfB Stuttgart have clinched the race to sign TSV 1860 München midfield player Timo Gebhart, a star of the Germany team that won last summer's UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals in the Czech Republic.
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VfB Stuttgart have won the race to sign German Under-19 international Timo Gebhart from TSV 1860 München.
Four and a half years
Midfielder Gebhart, who helped his country to glory in last summer's UEFA European U19 Championship in the Czech Republic, has left second division 1860 München to seal a four-and-a-half year contract with Stuttgart.
Big decision
The Bundesliga club's sporting director Horst Heldt said: "Timo had several offers from rival sides, but we are delighted he chose us." The 19-year-old himself cited Stuttgart's record of developing fresh talent as a reason for moving there: "They have always trusted in young players, and I want to improve and be part of their first team." Gebhart scored five goals in 37 games in the 2. Bundesliga following his senior debut last season. Stuttgart will face holders FC Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Cup's Round of 32, having finished second in their group.