Rangers ace David Bates quits to make shock switch to Hamburg on four-year deal
Defender revealed he couldn't turn down a move to the Bundesliga side with his contract set to expire at Ibrox in summer
RANGERS centre-back David Bates has shocked fans after quitting Ibrox to join German side Hamburg on a four-year deal.
The 21-year-old's contract was set to expire at the end of the season and talks stalled over a new deal.
And Bates has now elected to join the relegation-threatened Bundesliga side in the summer.
Expressing his delight on Twitter, Bates revealed that a move to join Christian Titz's side was an opportunity he couldn't turn down.
The former Raith Rovers ace said: "After a whirlwind 48 hours I am absolutely delighted to have my future sorted.
"Like Rangers, HSV are iconic club with tremendous history and all the pressures that come with that.
"They have given me a lot of faith in their recruitment and I can’t wait to kick on and develop further as a player.
"It was an opportunity I don’t think anyone could turn down.
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"I’d like to thank all the fans, staff and board for the last two years.
"Hopefully I can get back fit enough to help in some way to finish as high as possible.”
Bates is currently sidelined with an ankle injury after suffering ligament damage against Celtic last month, and will miss Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final clash with the Hoops.
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Hamburg's scouting director Johannes Spors was full of praise for the youngster after HSV announced their first summer signing.
He said: "David brings in the combination of height, speed, mentality and accountability features for the defence that 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 could be plying his trade in the Bundesliga 2 next season, with Hamburg currently sitting in the relegation zone in the German top-flight.
They have just five games left to save their campaign, where they face the likes of Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach in their remaining fixtures.