Matthias Zimmermann has been under contract at VfB since the summer of 2015 – initially playing with the reserves in the '3. Liga', with whom he became a first-choice. In the run-in to the end of the 2015/2016 campaign, he then made his Bundesliga debut. During the 2016/2017, making 27 appearances and scoring one goal, Zimmermann played an important role in VfB making an immediate return to the top-flight. Last season, the midfielder was side-lined for much of the campaign due to a cruciate ligament tear and thus made just three Bundesliga appearances. In total, "Zimbo" played five games in Germany’s top-flight for the Wasenelf. He was also involved in three DFB-Cup matches.
Sporting director Michael Reschke: "Matthias Zimmermann is a wonderful sportsman and a real character-player, who always gave everything in every training session and match for VfB. His desire to play regular football is something we can absolutely understand and it was clear that, should an appropriate offer be made, we would not lay any stones on his path. We wish ‘Zimbo’ all the very best for his future."
Matthias Zimmermann: "I had three wonderful years at VfB, which I will always look back on very fondly. Winning promotion was the absolute highlight of course. I would like to thank the fans, who always supported me, and I wish VfB all the best for the future. A new challenge awaits me now, which I am very much looking forward to."