Hamburg tie up Pitroipa transfer

Hamburger SV have agreed to sign SC Freiburg's Burkina Faso-born midfielder Jonathan Pitroipa on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.

'Pace and technique'
The 21-year-old will join the UEFA Cup hopefuls as a free agent after signing a contract which will keep him in Hamburg until the summer of 2012. Pitroipa has scored four goals in 14 league games for second division Freiburg this season and said: "When I came to Europe it was my goal to play for a top club. HSV is a top club with a great fanbase and a strong team as well as an impressive stadium." Hamburg sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer added: "We are happy that the transfer worked out. We have been watching him closely and are sure that he can help us with his pace and technique." Hamburg meet Swiss side FC Zürich in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 in February.