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HSV Signs William Mikelbrencis

The 18-year-old right back moves to the Elbe from FC Metz and recieves a four-year deal with the Rothosen

Hamburger SV have made another move on the entry side shortly before the end of this year's summer transfer period, signing French U18 international William Mikelbrencis. The 1.76 metre tall right-back moves to the Elbe from the French second division club FC Metz. Mikelbrencis successfully completed his medical check at the UKE Athleticum yesterday. This morning he then signed a four-year contract at the Volksparkstadion, which runs until the summer of 2026. "William represents very well our way of continuing to work successfully with young players. He particularly caught our eye last season, when he already made a splash with his appearances in the French Ligue 1. He is a player who stands for modern football, who plays the way we imagine in the position. He will certainly need some time to settle in. We are planning for the long term with him because we want to build something here in Hamburg, but we also expect that he will not only be used in the following years, but will already help us this season," explains HSV board member Jonas Boldt. The Frenchman is also looking forward to his new role at HSV and says: "I am very happy to play for this great club from now on. I know HSV and have already seen some of the team's games. It is a good team. For me personally and my development, it is a very good step. I want to integrate as quickly as possible now and I'm looking forward to getting to know my teammates."

"He is a player who stands for modern football, who plays the way we imagine in the position." Jonas Boldt

William Mikelbrencis was born on 25 February 2004 in the small town of Forbach in the Moselle department near the German border. He began his football training at the age of six with AS Montbronn before moving to the youth academy of FC Metz as an eleven-year-old in 2015. There, the right-footer passed through all youth teams and celebrated his professional debut in Ligue 1 on 9 January this year at the age of 17 years, ten months and 15 days. He played a total of nine games (one assist) for the professional team of FC Metz in the highest French division, making eight appearances. Following the French side's relegation to Ligue 2, Mikelbrencis has remained a regular in the current season, starting at right-back in five games so far this season and scoring one goal. At the same time, Mikelbrencis has developed into a junior national player for his country in recent years, appearing four times for the U16 and eight times for the U18 team. At HSV, he will receive the shirt number 2 and will already train with the team at Volksparkstadion today.

Profile:
Name: William Mikelbrencis
DOB: 25 February 2004
Place of birth: Forbach (France)
Height: 1.76 metres
Position: Right-back
Career: AS Montbronn Jgd (2010-2015), FC Metz Jgd (2015-2021), FC Metz (01-08/2022), Hamburger SV (since 08/2022).