Official: TSG Hoffenheim sign Hajdari from Lugano

The Sinsheim club have found quality cover for their long-term absentee Machida.

TSG Hoffenheim has signed Swiss international Albian Hajdari, as their replacement for Kōki Machida who suffered ACL injury during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Hajdari, a centre-half by trade, joins from Swiss first division club FC Lugano and signs a long-term contract with the Kraichgau region.

The 22-year-old became a regular starter for Lugano and made a total of 110 appearances (5 goals, 1 assist) over the past three seasons.

“Following Koki Machida’s serious knee injury, we already announced that we would be looking for a potential central defensive reinforcement in the transfer market.

“With Albian, we have signed a player who fits our profile perfectly: young, left-footed, highly trained, and brings extensive experience from the Swiss league and European competitions.

“We have been following Albian’s development for a long time and are delighted that we were able to acquire him in the current situation,” said Andreas Schicker, sporting director at TSG.