Hertha move again to sign Kobiashvili

Hertha BSC Berlin have secured their second signing ahead of the winter break in Germany by capturing Levan Kobiashvili from fellow Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 until the end of the season.

Second signing
The Georgian international has penned an initial deal to cover the remainder of the season, but a two-year extension has been agreed if the capital side – currently bottom and ten points from safety – manage to avoid relegation. "We are very happy that Levan Kobiashvili will join us," said Hertha's sporting director Michael Preetz when asked about the 32-year-old, who has played 289 top-flight league matches for Schalke and SC Freiburg. "With his experience, he will provide more stability." Kobiashvili is Hertha's second recent acquisition after Greek striker Fanis Gekas agreed to join from Bayer 04 Leverkusen on an identical deal. Hertha were drawn against SL Benfica in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 on Friday.