Koln secures services of Leonardo Bittencourt from Hannover 96

Another player is leaving the Niedersachsenstadion.

1. FC Koln announced on Tuesday that Leonardo Bittencourt is joining the club from Hannover 96 and signed a contract that will keep him at the RheinEnergieStadion until 2019.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder follows the likes of Joselu and Lars Stindl, who left Hannover for Stoke City and Borussia Monchengladbach, respectively.

"The way 1. FC Koln made their mark in just their first season back in the top flight really impressed me," Bittencourt stated. "The talks I had with the club's decision makers has made me optimistic that this will be the optimal setting for the next step in my development.

"Peter Stoger and Jorg Schmadtke are all about consistency, and they have a clear plan on how to lead this incredible club towards a successful future. They have put together a great team and play in a superb environment with fans that support the club very passionately. I am convinced that we will fit together really well."

Bittencourt notched one goal and three assists through 26 Bundesliga appearances in 2014-15.