FC St. Pauli

Jessen joined FC St. Pauli for the first time in 2013. The midfielder then moved to Bayern Munich before returning to the club's Under-17 team in 2019. Jessen, who is also eligible to play for the Under-19s, has made 18 appearances for the Under-23s in the fourth-tier Regionalliga Nord this season, providing two assists. He regularly trains with the senior squad under Timo Schultz, however, and has played for the first team in friendlies. The 18-year-old has also represented Germany at various youth levels, recently making two European qualifying appearances for the Under-19s under national coach Hannes Wolf in November.

Reaction to the deal: 

Director of sport Andreas Bornemann: "Niklas has gained a very good grounding in our youth academy and at Bayern Munich and has reached the point where he is ready to take the next step. He's very advanced for his age and has all the attributes needed to establish himself in the professional game. We'll give him the best possible support along the way."

Head coach Timo Schultz: "Niklas has an excellent passing game with both feet and sound technique. He's integrated very well since the winter training camp and earned this next step. I'm looking forward to working with him in the next few years. Initially, it will be about him gaining more match practice with the Under-23s."

Niklas Jessen: "I'm delighted to have signed my first professional contract here at FC St. Pauli and I'm grateful for the trust and the opportunities my club are giving me. The task for me now is to keep developing every day and confirming this trust."

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters