体坛英语新闻：Hoffenheim's Demirbay joins Leverkusen

BERLIN, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen have signed midfielder Kerem Demibay from league rivals Hoffenheim, both Bundesliga clubs confirmed on Thursday.

The 25-year-old German international has penned a five-year deal, which binds him to Leverkusen until June 2024.

"Kerem was an absolute key player in Hoffenheim and he will also be an important factor for us to meet our requirements in the coming season," Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes said.

The new arrival joined Hoffenheim in the summer of 2016 and played 74 league appearances to provide 12 goals and 19 assists ever since. In addition, he scored one goal in two caps for Germany.

"This transfer is the next step after three really great years in Hoffenheim. Leverkusen have always been playing attractive attacking football. This style of play suits me and I am really looking forward to become part of this team," Demirbay told the club's official homepage.

Leverkusen sit currently on the 5th place of the Bundesliga standings and eye for a berth in the UEFA Champions League meanwhile Hoffenheim occupy the 8th place and are within touching distance to a UEFA Europa League ticket.