FC Gütersloh has announced a top-class reinforcement. A player from the German U19 champions is joining the Regionalliga promotion team.

After their promotion to the Regionalliga West, FC Gütersloh have already strengthened themselves with some seasoned players. On Monday evening, however, the East Westphalians presented a newcomer who is to take his first steps in senior football at FCG.

Grigorijs Degtjarevs is moving to the Heidewald. The 19-year-old is a striker from Latvia who has trained at a high level. He spent the last three years in the youth team of Mainz 05.

With FSV, Degtjarevs celebrated the German U19 championship in the past season. And the soon to be Gütersloh native also played his part in that. In the final against Borussia Dortmund, he scored the decisive goal after being substituted in extra time to make the final score 4:2. In the regular season, Degtjarevs collected ten Bundesliga appearances for Mainz’s senior team, scoring three goals (two assists).

“Grischa is a player with development potential who brings very good physicality for his age,” says Gütersloh coach Julian Hesse about the new addition. “In Mainz, of course, he has been trained at a top level. He is very ambitious and comes on very strong about his mentality, running strength and force.”

The 1.89 metre tall attacker had played for Arminia Bielefeld before his move to Mainz. He also played for the Latvian U19 national team in the spring.

Nine new arrivals have now been confirmed for FCG. A ninth could be added in the form of Ben Heuser. The youngster from Rot-Weiss Essen will have the opportunity to introduce himself in a trial training session.

FC Gütersloh: Overview of transfers (as of 26 June)

Additions: Julian Schauerte, Armin Pjetrovic (both 1. FC Kaan-Marienborn), Patrik Twardzik (Rot Weiss Ahlen), Jeffrey Obst (1. FC Bocholt), Hendrik Lohmar (SC Wiedenbrück), Philimon Tawiah (Victoria Rosport), Lennard Rolf (Delbrücker SC), Tim Matuschewsky (SC Verl II), Grigorijs Degtjarevs (Mainz 05 U19)

Departures: Alexander Bannink (TuS Bersenbrück), Samy Benmbarek (Sprotfreunde Lotte), Christian Will (FC Isselhorst), Tekin Gencoglu (Türkspor Dortmund), Nils Köhler, Nico Bartling, Janik Steringer (all destination unknown)