Cameroon international Pierre Kunde Malong on Friday joined German Bundesliga side Mainz 05 from Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

The 22-year old midfielder  joins Mainz on a four-year deal worth 7.5 million euros with a buyback option for Atletico is not included in the contract.

“With Pierre Kunde we have found our current desired solution for the central midfielder,” sporting director Rouven Schröder said.

“He’s exactly what we want from a player at Mainz 05 in the six- and eight-position: He is dynamic, robust and has the ability to broadcast Torgefahr about the box-to-box game.”

According to Schroeder, “the newcomer completely embodies our game philosophy, defends forwards and stands for passionate pressing and emotional football, we have been watching him for a long time and are convinced that he will have the hoped for reinforcement in midfield next step – we are pleased that he wants to go after his time at a big club like Atletico Madrid with Mainz 05. ”

Malong who turns 23 in July has been at Atletico Madrid’s academy from the youth stages playing in the U17 team but found first team opportunities at senior level hard to come by before moving to  FC Granada, where he scored five goals in 38 competitive matches.

He has represented Cameroon  at the junior national teams and made his full debut with the Indomitable Lions in May this year.

“In Mainz, the conditions are excellent for taking the next step in my career,” says Kunde. “I’m very proud to be with a good club in the Bundesliga and I’m really looking forward to the first matches for Mainz 05 and the Mainz fans. “