Official | Hoffenheim swing last-minute loan deal for former Brighton centre-back Leo Østigård | OneFootball

Known to be searching for defensive reinforcements throughout the transfer window, Hoffenheim were able to secure a major coup shortly before the close of business on Monday. After spending most of the day attempting to acquire central-defender Marvin Friedrich from fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, the Sinsheimers swung a last-minute loan deal with Rennes for Norwegian international Leo Skiri Østigård.

The 28-times-capped international is exceptionally well travelled, having already spent time in England and Italy whilst on loan from his one-time parent club Brighton & Hove Albion. Through four loan stints, the Seagulls were able to ensure he accrued playing experience with Coventry City, Stoke City, and Genoa. Brighton also loaned him out to FC St. Pauli during the 2019/20 campaign.

Østigård made 28 appearances for the Hamburg based side that season and even scored a goal. The tall centre-back brings with him goal-scoring experience from the Serie A and English Championship. He registered one tally in 16 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes this season. Østigård moved to France from Napoli last summer for €7m.

It is not yet known whether the 25-year-old’s current loan arrangement with die Kraichgauer contains a purchase option. In his statement accompanying the signing, TSG managing director Andreas Schicker merely sought to emphasise that his administrative team had found the best possible man after deals for Friedrich and Feyenoord defender Gernot Trauner fell through.

“With Leo, we have found a center back with the qualities we were looking for on the final stretch of the winter transfer window,” Schicker’s statement noted. “Despite his young age, he is already an internationally experienced player who has played in England, France, and Italy.

During his time at SSC Napoli, Leo became Italian champion in the 2022/2023 season and advanced to become a regular starter in Serie A last season,” Schicker’s statement continued, “Leo was also part of the starting lineup at Stade Rennes in the current season. He is an uncompromising defender who doesn’t shy away from any tackle.

“That’s why we are convinced that Leo will provide the stability we are looking for in our team,” Schicker concluded.

GGFN | Peter Weis