Holtby exit confirmed by Spurs

01 July 2015 15:01

Tottenham have confirmed the departure of Lewis Holtby - with the midfielder signing a permanent deal with Hamburg.

The 24-year-old Germany international spent last season on loan at the Bundesliga club, who only maintained their top-flight status with an extra-time victory in a relegation play-off against Karlsruher.

Having moved to White Hart Lane in 2013, Holtby never managed to hold down a first-team spot under then-manager Andre Villas-Boas and also spent a spell out on loan at Fulham - although he was unable to prevent the Cottagers dropping out of the Premier League.

Spurs announced the news of his sale with a short statement on their website on Wednesday afternoon.

"We have reached agreement with Hamburg for the permanent transfer of Lewis Holtby," the statement read.

"The midfielder joined the Bundesliga side on a one-year loan in September, 2014, with a view to a permanent transfer.

"This option has now been exercised and Lewis leaves us having made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, following his arrival from Schalke 04 in 2013. We wish Lewis all the best for the future."

Holtby, who made 24 appearances whilst on loan at the Volksparkstadion, is the second midfield departure in two days after Paulinho completed a move to Guangzhou Evergrande on Tuesday.

Source: PA