Stuttgart - VfB Stuttgart have announced the departure of midfielder Rani Khedira, brother of Germany international Sami, to Bundesliga 2 newcomers RB Leipzig.

One stepsteps forwards

The 20-year-old, a product of Stuttgart's youth academy, has signed a three-year contract with the ambitious Bundesliga 2 side.

"Rani rose through all of our youth sides to become a Bundesliga player with us," said Stuttgart's sporting director Fredi Bobic. "However, we have a very stiff competition for places in our midfield. At his new club, he will have better short and mid-term prospects for regular football and that will help him in his development. A step backwards into Bundesliga 2 should develop into a step forwards We wish him all the best."

Khedira played a total of nine times for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, but feels that he now needs more regular football at a lower level in 2014/15. "I love this club and this city, and this is where I took my first steps in the Bundesliga," Khedira said. "But it's extremely important for me to get match practice, which is why a move is the best thing for me right now. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

He becomes Leipzig's third signing of the summer, with the Saxons' sporting director Ralf Rangnick, formerly a coach of Stuttgart, welcoming the move. "Rani is a perfect fit here and I'm absolutely convinced he will be able to help us with his strengths."

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