BERLIN, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Stuttgart have reinforced their team with the signing of five youngsters for the next season, the Bundesliga club announced in an official statement on Monday.
Marc Oliver Kempf, Pablo Maffeo, Borna Sosa, David Kopacz and Robert Massimo joined the "Swabians", who may play in Europa League next season.
Centre back Marc Oliver Kempf joined from league rivals Freiburg after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal, stipulated until June 2022.
"We have observed Marc Oliver Kempf for a long time and we see great potential. He is one of the most interesting young German defenders and we are happy that he has opted for Stuttgart despite various offers," Stuttgart's sporting director Michael Reschke said.
Manchester City's Pablo Maffeo will strengthen Stuttgart's defense, as the 20-year-old defender has penned a long-term contract until June 2023.
"There were many requests for Pablo Maffeo from England and Spain but he has decided for Stuttgart. Pablo is a player with a big heart and huge force, who has a great future as a defender," Reschke said.
Borna Sosa moved from Dinamo Zagreb to Stuttgart and signed a five-year deal, which will keep him in Germany's top flight until June 2023. He received the jersey no. 24.
"Borna Sosa is a very interesting player for the future and will be important for Stuttgart in the upcoming season. Borna is one of the most interesting defender talents in Europe."
David Kopacz joined from league rivals Borussia Dortmund. The 18-year-old all-round talent inked a four-year deal until June 2022.
"David Kopacz is a very talented and versatile player. We want to introduce him carefully into the Bundesliga."
Stuttgart have also completed the transfer of Robert Massimo, who joined from second division outfit Arminia Bielefeld. The 17-year-old winger has signed a long-term deal but will stay with Bielefeld for at least one season on loan.
"Robert Massimo has very good requirements to establish himself in the Bundesliga in the coming years. We look forward to a highly talented player."
Stuttgart have completed the Bundesliga season 2017-2018 on the 7th position. If Bayern Munich wins the German Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt, the "Swabians" will move up into the Europa League.
