Union pulled out of the race, so Hoffenheim got the former Chelsea target

Attila Szalai, centre-back for the Hungarian national team, has joined Hoffenheim on a four-year deal from Fenerbahce, the Bundesliga club said on Monday. Hoffenheim signed the 25-year-old powerful defender just as Union Berlin, a newcomer to the Champions League, appeared close to luring him.

Szalai moved from Cypriot team Apollon Limassol to Fenerbahce in January 2021. In the 2022/23 season, he assisted them in both winning the national cup and placing second in the Super Lig, behind rivals Galatasaray.

Hoffenheim director Alexander Rosen was proud with the capture of a player who was on Chelsea's radar not too long ago.

"It is our clear goal to further stabilize our defence and Attila has already proven his qualities internationally."

Hoffenheim did not reveal the transfer fee but German media reported the deal could be worth $13.29 million. Szalai told TSG's website he refused a few other clubs just to join them.

"I had several options for my sporting future, but I made a conscious decision to go with TSG Hoffenheim. I really wanted to play in the Bundesliga and I'm convinced that it's the right step for me."

The strong defender, who arrived in Istanbul two years ago as a ready-made replacement for now-Bayern player Kim Min-jae, bid an emotional farewell to his fans in Turkey and wished them well in the future.

Szalai made his Hungary debut in November 2019 in a friendly defeat by Uruguay and so far has made 35 appearances for his country. He was included in their squad for Euro 2020.