German striker joins Brentford in three year deal.

Brentford have signed striker Philipp Hofmann from 1.FC Kaiserslautern for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The tall Germany Under-21 international was in London today, Thursday 23 July, to complete the move. He has signed a three-year contract and will remain at Griffin Park until the end of the 2017/18 season.

Philipp, 22, has scored prolifically for Germany in youth international football. He has represented his country at Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level and scored a total of 18 goals in 36 games.

He scored nine in 17 Under-21 matches including two against England in a friendly in March. Philipp was also part of the Germany squad at the recent UEFA European Under-21 Championships.

He came through the youth system at FC Schalke 04 and had loan spells at SC Paderborn 07 and FC Ingolstadt 04. Philipp moved to Kaiserslautern last summer and scored eight goals in 33 games for the German second tier side.

In total he has scored 21 goals in 91 appearances at that level.

Marinus Dijkhuizen, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “Philipp is a target man, physically strong, and a good header of the ball. His style of play is similar to mine when I played.

“He is a different type of striker to Andre Gray, so it gives us more tactical options. Philipp is only 22 so can still improve his game.”

Co-Director of Football, Phil Giles, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Philipp to Brentford. He has been playing at a good level in Germany and will adapt well to English football.

“Philipp will train with the First Team squad tomorrow and we hope that he will be available to take some part in the friendly against Stoke City on Saturday".



