Berlin, Jan 28 (IANS): Danish international Jannik Vestergaard has joined struggling Bundesliga side Werder Bremen until June 2018 from rivals Hoffenheim, the football club confirmed.

Hoffenheim and Jannik Vestergaard parted company Tuesday as the defender put pen to paper on a three and a half year contract. Vestergaard made just one appearance in Hoffenheim' s first team this season, reports Xinhua.

"Jannick Vestergaard has the perfect combination of experience and development potential. He has what it takes to become a key player," Bremen manager Thomas Eichin said.

The 22-year-old center back joined Hoffenheim in 2011 to score four goals in 71 appearances overall. In 2013 Vestergaard made his international debut for Denmark.

"We needed a player like him. He is strong in the centre, has a great physical presence and is tactically skilled," Bremen coach Viktor Skripnik said.

Bremen sit currently on a relegation play-off spot, with 17 points from 17 games. Bremen face Hertha Berlin for their opening game of the second half of the season Feb 1.