RANGERS defender David Bates has clinched a shock move to Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV.
The 21-year-old was out of contract at the end of the campaign but had been in discussions about extending his stay at Ibrox beyond the summer.
Bates has now chosen to leave, however, and has put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract with Die Rothosen.
HSV are currently 17th in the German top flight and are in danger of dropping into Bundesliga II for the first time in their history.
But they have started planning for the new campaign by bringing Bates on board after he passed a medical and signed on the dotted line.
HSV Scouting Director Johannes Spors said: "David brings in the combination of height, speed, mentality and accountability features for the defensive that the HSV will be good for sure.
“He is a down-to-earth guy who wants to actively develop his career and work hard for it.”
Bates moved to Ibrox on a loan deal from Raith Rovers two years ago before making the switch permanent in January last year.
He appeared in both legs of the Europa League defeat to Progres Niederkorn at the start of the campaign but established himself following the appointment of Graeme Murty as boss.
Despite doubts over his own future, Murty was keen to retain the defender's services beyond the summer.
But the Old Firm defeat to Celtic last month could now prove to be Bates' final appearance for his boyhood heroes as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
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