Bochum strengthen in midfield

Tom Krauß has officially joined VfL Bochum on loan from Mainz 05.

The 23-year-old midfielder has had his loan spell at English Championship side Luton Town cut short and will spend the rest of the season at the Vonovia-Ruhrstadion.

"I know Tom Krauß from my time as sporting director at 1.FC Nürnberg. Tom has the qualities needed to compete at Bundesliga level. Although he is only 23 years old, he has already played almost 150 professional games, mostly as a regular," said VfL Bochum head coach Dieter Hecking.

“We will support him to ensure that his integration into the team goes smoothly and that he can help us immediately."

Krauß, who has been a regular starter for Luton this season, commented:

"I'm happy to be back in Germany, closer to my family. That is important to me.

“I spoke at length with coach Dieter Hecking, who I've known since my time at Nuremberg. He convinced me that joining VfL Bochum was the right thing to do. I'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates. And of course I'm looking forward to returning to the Bundesliga.”