by JAKE NUTTING

Three weeks out from their debut in the United Soccer League, the Tampa Bay Rowdies have added a considerable piece to their roster.

Longtime VFL Wolfsburg left back Marcel Schäfer has agreed to join the Rowdies following a decorated ten-year run in which he helped the Bundesliga side capture the league title in the 2008-2009 season and the 2014-2015 German Cup. Reports in Germany suggest Schäfer’s deal with the Rowdies is for two years.

The 32-year-old is expected to arrive in St. Petersburg and begin training with his new teammates next week once his visa comes through.

“After a 14-year career in Germany, I am very excited to take a new step in my life,” said Schäfer. “It will be a great experience for me and my family. I am very excited to join the Rowdies and take on a new challenge in my playing career. I love to work hard, with the goal of winning games and being successful. The Tampa Bay Rowdies is a great project, and it is an honor to be a part of this club.”

Prior to joining Wolfsburg, Schäfer began his professional career at TSV 1860 München, where recorded 91 appearances before moving on to Wolfsburg in 2007. Following the move, Schäfer quickly entrenched himself as a part of Wolfsburg’s lineup and he now leaves the club having set the record for most Bundesliga appearances for an outfield player (251). He also bagged 13 goals and 39 assists for the team in the Bundesliga.

Schäfer earned his first call up to the German national team in 2008, and represented his country a total of eight times from 2008 to 2010.

“We’re delighted to bring in a player of Marcel’s caliber and expertise to our squad,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “His career speaks for itself. He’s played at a high level for a long time and we think he’ll adapt to our club and our league pretty quickly.”

Campbell’s enthusiasm at nabbing a player of Schäfer’s pedigree for the upcoming season is understandable. The team noted in its press release, though, that Schäfer will be competing for a spot in the midfield, not his traditional left back position. The Rowdies already invested in left back with the signing of former Orlando City defender Luke Boden and are confident in the potential of Zac Portillos at the same position.

So where does Schäfer fit in?

It’s seems unlikely to expect the Bundesligaveteran to be slotted out on the wing. Campbell has already stated this preseason that the pace of players like Leo Fernandes and Alex Morrell out on the wing will be crucial to this year’s system. This could mean Campbell anticipates Schäfer shifting to the center of the field to take on one of the holding midfield positions. It would seem to be an easy enough adjustment for someone with his experience.

However, before any positioning can be resolved Schäfer will need to prove he’s fit. Schäfer was forced to exit his last match for Wolfsburg on December 10 after suffering a knee injury in the 21st minute.