US striker Wood joins Hannover on loan from Hamburg

HANNOVER: United States striker Bobby Wood (pic) switched to Bundesliga side Hannover from relegated Hamburg.

The 25-year-old Wood joined on loan for one year, with the option to then make the switch permanent, Hannover said in a statement.

The Hawaii-born forward is the club’s third loan signing of the summer, after Kevin Wimmer (from Tottenham) and Takuma Asano (Arsenal).

“I had very good talks ... and know what the club intends, what kind of football should be played and where I fit in with that. My gut feeling told me it is the right decision,” Wood said.

He joined 1860 Munich’s youth set-up in 2007 and made his debut in the Second Division in 2011. The forward moved to Union Berlin in 2015, and then Hamburg in the Bundesliga in 2016.

Wood’s time in Hamburg did not go to plan, scoring just seven goals in 52 league games. Last season he managed two as the side was relegated.

“Wood fills exactly the profile of forward we were looking for,” Hannover general manager Horst Heldt said. “He is a highly talented player who has already proved his potential and who suits us brilliantly due to his teamwork and willingness to run.”

He has 12 goals in 39 appearances for the US since making his debut as a 20-year-old under Juergen Klinsmann in August 2013. — AP