Another BVB youngster has made the leap to the professional game! U23 goalkeeper Eike Bansen is set to complete a switch to Belgian Cup winners SV Zulte Waregem, who play in the Jupiler League, after Borussia Dortmund granted the 19-year-old permission to leave.

The transfer is taking place at such late notice because the 11th-placed side in the Belgian league have a personnel problem in the goalkeeper position as a result of injuries – and Bansen has been on the club's radar since making an excellent impression between the sticks in the Borussia Dortmund first team's 3-2 friendly victory over Waregem a fortnight ago during the training camp in Marbella. The BVB U23s' second-choice goalkeeper was drafted into the side at the last minute after Roman Bürki, Roman Weidenfeller and Dominik Reimann had all been ruled out with illness.

Bansen joined BVB from TuS Voßwinkel (Menden/Sauerland) as a 12-year-old in 2010 and represented all of the youth teams. He became a German champion at both U17 and U19 level, as well as taking part in last summer's U19 European Championship in Georgia, where he played between the sticks in all three of Germany's games. As the "No. 2" behind Dominik Reimann, he has made four appearances in the Regionalliga this season. "Dominik has an extra year on me," he said a few days ago as he reflected upon his situation. "I of course have to accept that, take the situation as it is and continue to work hard on myself."

Bansen will sign a three-and-a-half year contract in Waregem and is looking forward to the challenge. Ingo Preuß, the U23 sporting director, thanked the 19-year-old for the commitment he has shown over an eight-year spell with the Black & Yellows and wished him all the best for the future. The same goes for Till Schumacher, the former U19 captain, who is on the verge of a move to FC Vysocina in the Czech top flight. Schumacher has been playing for BVB since U17 level. (br)