Official: Hoffenheim hand promising right-back Abraha long-term contract

TSG Hoffenheim's Natnael Abraha has signed a new long-term contract.

Mohamed Farag/Getty Images for DFB

Natnael Abraha signed a long-term contract at TSG Hoffenheim after his jump into the first-team ranks. The 18-year-old right-back played 12 times in 3. Liga last term for Hoffenheim II.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt youth team defender will be expected to play a part in Christian Ilzer’s plans this season. Abraha won the German championship at U19 level with Hoffenheim as they beat Köln in the final.

“The development of Natnael (Abraha) once again underlines Hoffenheim’s path for young talents from our academy to the professional team. He succeeded in attracting lasting attention with convincing performances and his down-to-earth nature. He brings enormous potential, and shows great willingness to improve. At the same time, he is only at the beginning of his journey.” said Paul Pajduch, sporting director of the licensing team at Hoffenheim.

The Germany U19 international also shared his delight in committing his future to the club he joined last summer. “The move to the U19 of the TSG was the absolutely right step for me. Those in charge have allowed me to develop from day one and take my next steps. Now I want to take the chance with the first-team and dream of being able to make my Bundesliga debut.”