Maik Franz will be playing Bundesliga football again next season despite being relegated with Karlsruhe after agreeing to join Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 27-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Frankfurt to complete the move for an undisclosed fee.

The defender should shore up one of the leakiest back-lines from the 2008/09 campaign.

Frankfurt conceded 60 goals in 34 matches and were close to being sucked into a relegation tussle along with Karlsruhe.

Obtaining safety was still not enough to save the job of coach Friedhelm Funkel, who left by mutual consent. No replacement has yet been appointed, so Franz will have to wait a little longer to find out who will be his coach next season.