Almeida to Hannover

Portugese national Hugo Almeida has dissolved his contract with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala to become part of Hannover, who currently sit second to last in the Bundesliga. The striker will be officially presented on Monday, January 18.

"Hugo Almeida proved his quality in the Bundesliga for many years," Hannover sports director Martin Bader said in a statement. "Our coach knows him from their mutual time in Bremen."

Almeida scored 41 goals in 117 appearances for the Northern Germans, all of them under current Hannover coach Thomas Schaaf.

"As we've seen, we lack ruthlessness in our attack," Schaaf said. "Hugo will improve the way we play. He's a compact, powerful striker who's always pressing toward goal."

Almeida also played 36 matches for Turkish side Besiktas as well as making 57 appearances for the Portugese national team. But he only notched two goals in 12 league outings with Makhachkala.

"When the coach [Schaaf]called me, I didn't have to think it over very long," Almeida said in a statement. "I've never lost track of the Bundesliga and always wanted to return. I'd like to help Hannover stay up with goals and good performances."

Hanover restart their season on January 23 against Darmstadt.