Ebbsfleet United unveil the arrival of German defender Sefa Kahraman

EBBSFLEET UNITED manager Dennis Kutrieb has unveiled the signing of German-born central defender Sefa Kahraman.

 

The 23-year-old has signed from Kutrieb’s former employers Tennis Borussia Berlin, having helped the German club to successive promotions.

The 6ft 1in Berlin native started out with Hertha Zehlendorf and played for TeBe’s Under 17s before turning out for Werder Bremen’s Under 19s and Bundesliga II side and later Berliner AK07 in Germany’s fourth tier.

He returned to TeBe in February 2018 and has proven instrumental in the club’s rise up the leagues.

Kutrieb told Ebbsfleet United’s website: “He is a young and talented prospect who played for Bundesliga club Werder Bremen’s youth side. Over the past two years, he has played almost every game for me at TeBe. He’s good on the ball, keeps possession very well and adds a few goals as well.

“Sefa was a big credit for me and the team in the success we had over the past two years and was very much responsible for our defensive record.

“We conceded only 17 goals in 19 games and we won 10 home games out of 10 with only five goals against in that time. He is eager to get started on this adventure in England with us and he will be a big plus for Ebbsfleet this season.”

Meanwhile, Ebbsfleet United have lost the services of former Bromley midfielder Frankie Sutherland, 26, who will drop into part-time football due to his new working commitments.

Sutherland has used his break since the coronavirus lockdown to go into business with his father-in-law, and so has been unable to commit to full-time football.

“It’s something I’ve been looking at and with all that’s been going on these past few months something that will potentially be of value for me and my family longer than my football career,” Sutherland told the club website.

“It’s been a tough decision, I would have liked to have stayed at Ebbsfleet and think I would have otherwise. When I look around at everything that’s going on there now and what will I’m sure be an exciting season ahead for the club, it’s a tough decision for me to make.”

While his attempts to work around full-time football at the club have proven unworkable, Sutherland is hoping to continue in the game.

“I’ve been professional for a long time,” said the former QPR youth and Republic of Ireland U21 who first signed on at Loftus Road aged 11. “And I do still want to continue to play at the highest level I can if it’s workable so it’s a time to evaluate and see what happens now, even if I do have to play against the Fleet next season!”

Relegated Ebbsfleet United have dropped down into the Vanarama National League South next season.

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk