Wellington Phoenix are pleased to announce the signing of German midfielder, Matti Steinmann from Hamburger SV on a one-year deal.
The defensive midfielder has represented Germany right through international age-group level up until the U-20s and arrives in Wellington having appeared in the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV.
The 24-year-old began his youth career with SV Preußen Reinfeld before Hamburger SV brought him to their Academy setup in 2009 where Steinmann went on to appear in the Youth League. He then made his Bundesliga debut in September 2014 against Bayern Munich.
Steinmann played a big part in helping the Germany U-20s side to a Quarter-Final finish at the 2015 U-20 World Cup, played in New Zealand.
Between 2015 and 2017, Steinmann was loaned out to Chemnitzer FC and 1. FSV Mainz 05 II in the German third tier before returning to Hamburg in 2017 and appearing in eight first-team games in the 2017/18 campaign.
Before being loaned out to Danish Superliga side, Vendsyssel FF, the midfielder amassed 77 appearances for Hamburger SV II.
Commenting on his arrival in Wellington, Steinmann looked forward to the new challenge in New Zealand.
“I have watched the Hyundai A-League a lot so when the offer came in, I knew I would be playing a high level of football,” Steinmann said.
“Ufuk is wanting young, hungry players that are technically good which suits my style of play.”
Head Coach, Ufuk Talay is excited by the young player’s ability and potential and looks forward to progressing his game here in Wellington.
“He is a very talented young player that can progress into a very dominant midfielder.
“With his international background and playing experience at the top level in Germany, he will bring us that professionalism while still at a young age.
Steinmann has begun training ahead of the Hyundai A-League season which kicks off in early October.
At A Glance
2012-15 Hamburger SV II – 52 Appearances | 7 Goals | Coaches: Hannes Drews, Steffen Weiß, Christian Titz, Joe Zinnbauer, Daniel Petrowsky, Soner Uysal, Rodolfo Cardoso
2014-16 Hamburger SV – 13 Appearances | Coaches: Hannes Wolf, Christian Titz, Mirko Slomka
2015-16 Chemnitzer FC (loan) – 17 Appearances | 1 Goal | Coaches: Sven Köhler, Karsten Heine, Kay-Uwe Jendrossek
2016-17 1. FSV Mainz 05 II – 25 Appearances | 2 Goals | Coaches: Sandro Schwarz
2017-19 Hamburger SV II – 24 Appearances | 2 Goals
2019 Vendsyssel FF (loan) – 10 Appearances | 1 Goal | Coaches: Peter Enevoldsen. Jens Berthel Askou
