In a significant move for both player and club, Hannover 96 has announced the signing of left-back Maurice Neubauer from SV Elversberg. The 28-year-old defender is set to join the Lower Saxony team on a free transfer at the end of the current season, having established himself as a key player in the second division.
Neubauer, who has been with Elversberg since 2020, has signed a three-year contract that will keep him at Hannover until June 30, 2028. His performance this season has been impressive, featuring in all 29 league matches thus far, where he has notched up two goals and provided six assists. His contributions were particularly notable in the recent match against Hannover, where he assisted in a 3:1 victory for Elversberg.
"Maurice and his development have been on our radar for quite some time. He is now an established player in the second division with outstanding performance metrics this season," said Hannover’s sporting director, Marcus Mann. Mann emphasized Neubauer's ability to impact games, stating, "In terms of running ability, he ranks among the top five in the league. His number of goal involvements also stands out for a player in his position. We saw how he operates firsthand last Saturday, and we believe he will bring dynamism to our left side with his playing style and mentality."
Neubauer’s journey began in the youth ranks of Schalke 04, where he honed his skills before moving to FC Homburg and eventually to Elversberg. His tenure at Elversberg has been marked by significant achievements, including promotion to the 3. Liga in 2022 and a subsequent rise to the 2. Bundesliga the following summer. Over his five years at the club, Neubauer has made 158 appearances, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and consistent performer.
Reflecting on his decision to join Hannover, Neubauer expressed excitement about the opportunity. "When contact with Hannover 96 was established, I immediately thought about seizing this opportunity to join a true traditional club, to play in this stadium, and to have these fans behind me. The very good and open conversations with Marcus Mann confirmed my feelings completely. It was clear that I wanted to take on this challenge, regardless of the outcome of the current season," Neubauer stated.
As Hannover prepares for the next season, the addition of Neubauer is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their squad. The club, currently eyeing a competitive position in the league, hopes that Neubauer’s experience and skill set will contribute significantly to their campaign.
Neubauer is expected to bring not only his defensive capabilities but also his offensive contributions, as evidenced by his goal and assist tally this season. His versatility and reliability on the field will be crucial as Hannover seeks to improve their standing in the league.
Fans of Hannover 96 are eager to see how Neubauer will adapt to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate his successful form from Elversberg. The club's management is optimistic that his transition will be smooth, given his established track record in the league.
As the current season progresses, Neubauer will continue to focus on finishing strong with Elversberg, where he remains committed to helping his team achieve their goals. His departure is sure to leave a mark on the club, but both sides are looking forward to what the future holds.
In conclusion, the signing of Maurice Neubauer marks a significant step for Hannover 96 as they look to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season. With his proven track record and potential for further development, Neubauer is poised to make a meaningful impact in his new role.
