Borussia Dortmund complete the signing of Salih Özcan

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of FC Köln defensive midfielder Salih Özcan who joins the club on a four year contract.

Borussia Dortmund have found their successor to the departing Axel Witsel, with Salih Özcan joining the club on a four year contract. The defensive midfielder arrives on the back of an impressive breakthrough campaign with FC Köln.

According to reports, the signature of Özcan will only cost Borussia Dortmund around six million euros thanks to a release clause in his contract.

Borussia Dortmund had identified signing a new defensive midfielder as one of the priorities for the summer transfer window. They were linked with a number of players, but ultimately decided to sign Özcan.

Several other clubs were also interested in signing Özcan, but Borussia Dortmund won the race for his signature. Incoming sporting director Sebastian Kehl is confident that Özcan will fit in really well at BVB.

"“Salih Özcan was one of the rising stars of this past Bundesliga season and played a key role in FC Köln’s successful campaign in defensive midfield. He is someone who is prepared to do the dirty work and uncompromisingly gives everything for his team to succeed. His mentality and physicality, coupled with his in-game intelligence, will be good for our team.”"

Özcan came through the youth ranks at his hometown club FC Köln and made his first team debut for the club in 2016. He has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons, and has now established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Bundesliga. The 24 year old is coming off an excellent season that saw him help FC Köln qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Salih Özcan becomes Borussia Dortmund’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window following the arrivals of Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck and Karim Adeyemi. More signings are likely to be made in the coming weeks, as Dortmund look to overhaul their squad ahead of next season.