The 24 year old defensive midfielder has represented Germany at youth level and arrives in Wellington from Hamburger's reserves side but with some Bundesliga experience, debuting in September 2014 against Bayern Munich.

Now Steinmann says he is looking forward to the new challenge in New Zealand.

‘‘I have watched the A-League a lot so when the offer came in, I knew I would be playing a high level of football,’’ Steinmann said.

‘‘Ufuk is wanting young, hungry players that are technically good which suits my style of play.’’

Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay said he was excited by the player’s ability and potential.

‘‘He is a very talented young player that can progress into a very dominant midfielder," said Talay.

‘‘With his international background and playing experience at the top level in Germany, he will bring us that professionalism while still at a young age."


Steinmann played a big part in helping the Germany U20s side to a quarter-final finish at the 2015 U20 World Cup, played in New Zealand.

Between 2015 and 2017, Steinmann was loaned out to Chemnitzer FC and 1. FSV Mainz 05 II in the German third tier before returning to Hamburg in 2017 and appearing in eight first-team games in the 2017/18 campaign.

Before being loaned out to Danish Superliga side, Vendsyssel FF, the midfielder amassed 77 appearances for Hamburger SV II.