Yannick Gerhardt joins Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg announced the acquisition of the 22-year-old Gerhardt in a statement posted on their website on Friday. The club's sporting director, Klaus Allofs, described Gerhardt as a "young player with masses of potential" and noted that he could play in several roles in midfield or even fill in as a left full back, as he has done with Germany's under-21 side.

"Yannick plays solid passes, is pacy and very dynamic. We hope to have new possibilities with him. I truly believe he has what it takes to make his breakthrough with us," head coach Dieter Hecking said.

Gerhardt made 45 appearances and scored three goals in the Bundesliga for Cologne, where he came up through the club's youth system.

"I am delighted at the possibility of taking the next step in my career with VfL Wolfsburg," Gerhard said.

"Discussions with Klaus Allofs and Dieter Hecking convinced me that VfL provide me with the best chances of developing as a footballer. I want to help the team to break back into the top group of teams in the Bundesliga next season and establish themselves there for the long haul."

Gerhardt, who has made six appearances with the under-21 national team, has signed a five-year contract with Wolfsburg. As is customary, neither Wolfsburg nor Cologne have revealed the transfer fee, but several media have speculated that at least 12 million euros ($13 million) changed hands.

This is the third signing made by Wolfsburg ahead of the coming season, after Daniel Didavi and Josip Brekalo. Wolfsburg finished a disappointing eighth in the season just finished, having been runners-up the year before.