Hertha Berlin sign Croatia defender Uremovic

After guaranteeing their Bundesliga survival last week, Hertha Berlin announced Tuesday they have strengthened their squad for next season by signing Croatia international Filip Uremovic on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old defender spent the end of last season at English second-tier club Sheffield United since being loaned out last March by Russian side Rubin Kazan.

If he makes his debut in Germany’s top flight, Uremovic will have played in five European countries having also had spells at Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb and Slovenia’s Olimpija Ljubljana.

“I want to take the next step in my career, continue to improve and help the team, which is why I am here,” said Uremovic, a central defender or right back.

Hertha only guaranteed survival in Germany’s top flight for next season by winning a two-legged play-off against second division club Hamburg last week.

Uremovic has been signed to replace Germany defender Niklas Stark, who left Hertha to join newly-promoted Werder Bremen on a free transfer.

“With Filip Uremovic, we have a young player who has already gained a lot of experience in various leagues,” said Hertha managing director Fredi Bobic.

“We are impressed by his robustness in challenges and leadership on the pitch.”