Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart have signed highly-rated talent Roberto Massimo from Bundesliga 2 side DSC Arminia Bielefeld. The 17 year old right full-back has signed a long-term contract with Stuttgart, but will be released on loan to Arminia Bielefeld until 2020.

Massimo had joined Bielefeld from SV Lippstadt in 2014 and he went on to play for the U-17 and U-19 sides of the club. He made 45 appearances (23 goals) for Bielefeld’s youth teams and made his debut for the first team in a 5-0 win against FC St. Pauli in the Bundesliga 2 on December 1, 2017. The youngster, who reportedly caught the attention of top clubs around Europe, made seven Bundesliga 2 appearances in the 2017/18 season.

VfB Stuttgart’s Sporting Director Michael Reschke said: “Roberto Massimo has the prerequisites to establish himself in the Bundesliga in the coming years. We are delighted about the signing of such a highly-talented youngster and about the transfer-solution with Arminia Bielefeld. At the moment, there is no club where Roberto would be better off than Arminia Bielefeld, with coach Jeff Saibene. For that reason, Roberto will be released on loan to Arminia Bielefeld for at least the coming season, to provide him with the opportunity to develop further in a familiar environment.”

Samir Arabi, Managing Director Sports, DSC Arminia Bielefeld told: “Roberto Massimo was well-trained at our youth academy and he has more than underlined his great talent in his Bundesliga 2 appearances so far. We are happy that we have reached an agreement, which will enable us to work with him in the next two years. Match practice will be of great importance for his further development. We are convinced that he will continue his great development here with us.”

“I am happy that my long-term future has been clarified. My full concentration will be on Arminia Bielefeld for the next two year and after that I look forward to VfB Stuttgart. I would like to develop further here and reach our goals together with the team.”