Antonios Papadopoulos completes FC Lugano move after leaving Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have parted ways with Antonios Papadopoulos, with the central defender joining Swiss club FC Lugano on a free transfer.

After failing to make his breakthrough in the Borussia Dortmund first-team, Antonios Papadopoulos has made the switch to FC Lugano. The 24 year old’s current contract with the Black and Yellows will officially expire at the end of the month, and he has now agreed a three-year contract with Lugano.

Papadopoulos was signed by Borussia Dortmund in 2021 for the second team, but took advantage of the team’s injury crisis in defence by making a strong first impression on then head coach Marco Rose and featuring in the first two games of the 2021/22 season.

The centre-back continued to stay on the periphery of the first-team, but played predominantly for the U-23s in the 3. Liga.

Papadopoulos made a total of two Bundesliga appearances in the recently concluded season. He leaves Borussia Dortmund having made eight appearances for the first-team and 69 appearances for BVB II.

Primarily a centre-back but also capable of playing in defensive midfield, Papadopoulos was linked with a number of clubs in Europe but decided to join FC Lugano, where he will hope for a fresh start and more playing time.

FC Lugano finished second in the Swiss Super League this season. Lugano and Papadopoulos will also have the opportunity to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League. They will enter the tournament in the second qualifying round, and will have to go through three rounds of qualifiers to make the league stage.