Lewis Holtby has secured a move back to Germany after agreeing a two-year contract with Bundesliga II side Holstein Kiel.

Holtby becomes the final player of those released by Rovers to get fixed up with a new club after agreeing a two-year deal with Kiel who finished third in the second tier last season.

The midfielder had made clear his intention of returning to Germany after his two-year stay in the Championship with Rovers came to an end. The 30-year-old says the prospect of returning to Bundelisga II after his spell with Rovers is an exciting one, and he’s looking forward to.

"I really wanted to return to Germany and I looking forward to his new club,” said Holtby, who played 56 times for Rovers.

“The second division is incredibly attractive. There are an incredible number of teams from the north, there will be a lot of derbies and Holstein has caused a stir in recent years with an attractive, offensive style of play. 

“Therefore, I am really looking forward to being part of the team and contributing my experience and qualities and successfully shaping the undoubtedly challenging path. "

Holstein finished third in 2017/18 and last season following promotion from the third tier in 2016/17, but they have had a difficult start to this campaign, losing each of their opening three matches 3-0 to sit bottom of the standings.

Sporting Director Uwe Stöver believes the former German international can bring valuable experience to the side from the middle of the pitch.

He said: “With Lewis Holtby, we were able to engage an internationally experienced man for the No.8/No.10 position who we trust to take on responsibility quickly and who should give our appearance on the pitch more structure and order.”

Holtby was one of six players who left Rovers at the end of their contracts.

He follows Corry Evans (Sunderland), Amari’i Bell (Luton Town), Charlie Mulgrew (Dundee United) and Elliott Bennett (Shrewsbury Town) in finding a new club, while Stewart Downing opted to retire.

Of the five loanees to finish the season with Rovers, Taylor Harwood-Bellis has gone back out on loan to Anderlecht while Barry Douglas secured a permanent move to Lech Poznan after his contract with Leeds United expired.