Wolfsburg signs China midfielder for 2 1/2 years

WOLFSBURG, Germany - Wolfsburg says it has signed China midfielder Zhang Xizhe from Beijing Guoan on a 2 1/2-year contract.

German soccer club VfL Wolfsburg's new player Xizhe Zhang (C) from China stands between coach Dieter Hecking (L) and manager Klaus Allofs (R) during his presentation at Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany, December 16, 2014. [Photo/IC]

Wolfsburg director Klaus Allofs says the 23-year-old Zhang is "someone who can help us in the long run."

Allofs says he believes Zhang will be able to succeed in the transition from the Chinese Super League to the Bundesliga.

Zhang thanked Wolfsburg and spoke in German, saying it was a "special day," and that he was looking forward to playing for "such a great club."

Zhang is the fourth Chinese player to join a Bundesliga club.

Wolfsburg is second in the standings, nine points behind leader Bayern Munich.