Hamburg capture free agent Adler

Hamburg have confirmed the signing of Rene Adler on a free transfer from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.

Goalkeeper Adler, who missed all of the 2011/12 season through injury, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with Hamburg.

“If you can get a 27-year-old Germany international goalkeeper on a free transfer, then this is a special opportunity, which we have capitalised on,” Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen told the club’s website.

“I hope that by performing well with us, he can earn a recall to the national team.”

Adler has said he is just looking forward to getting back on the field following his injury struggles.

“I absolutely think that I will emerge stronger from the last year,” he said.

“It was a tough time and I had many lows during my rehab, but in the end it has all paid off. I now feel fit and ready.”

Alder, who has been capped 10 times by his country, was not included in Joachim Loew’s preliminary Germany squad for Euro 2012.

The Leipzig youth team player made 138 league appearances for Leverkusen since making his first-team debut in 2006.