BERLIN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Hoffenheim has strengthened its defence by signing Dutch left-back Mats Rots from Eredivisie side FC Twente on a long-term contract, the Bundesliga club announced on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old Netherlands under-21 international becomes Hoffenheim's fourth addition to the senior squad for the new season after Alessandro Vogt, Cajetan Lenz and Patrick Wimmer.
Rots arrives as Hoffenheim moves to add depth on the left side of defence, where the club had been seeking a left-footed option capable of operating both wide and, if required, in a more central role.
The 1.90-meter defender broke through at Twente last season, making 34 Eredivisie appearances and contributing four goals and four assists. Overall, Rots has played 50 Eredivisie matches, scoring five times, as well as six cup games and four European fixtures. The move comes with Rots entering the final year of his Twente deal.
"Mats Rots is a modern full-back," Hoffenheim managing director Andreas Schicker said in a club statement. "He brings clean passing, good dynamism and high attacking quality.
"At the same time, Mats has the right physicality for defensive duels and gives us several options in build-up play with his versatility. He is also a young, exciting player with enormous development potential who exemplifies our TSG path."
Born in Groenlo, close to the German-Dutch border, Rots came through Twente's youth system and spent half a year on loan at Heracles Almelo. He has represented the Netherlands at youth level from the under-16s upward, won the Under-19 European Championship in 2025 and has made five appearances for Jong Oranje.
"It was my absolute wish to move to TSG Hoffenheim and therefore to one of Europe's three top leagues," Rots said.
"I get the chance here to fully develop my talent under the best conditions and take further steps. TSG are known for promoting young players and sustainably bringing them to an even higher level. I am especially looking forward to being able to compete in Europe with TSG." ■
