Ansgar Knauff, a youth product from the Borussia Dortmund academy, has signed his first professional contract, which will keep him at BVB until 2023 at least.

Knauff was handed his first taste of professional life when he was included in head coach Lucien Favre's squad in pre-season. The youth international made a good impression at the training camp and was subsequently promoted from the U19s to Enrico Maaßen's U23s. He has made five appearances for the title-chasing reserves in the Regionalliga, and scored his first goal when he equalised in the derby at the weekend.

"We're very satisfied with Ansgar's development," said Lars Ricken, the Youth Coordinator at BVB, who is looking forward to continuing to work with the talented youngster. Ansgar Knauff is equally excited to have signed his first professional contact at the club where he came through the ranks. "I'm convinced that I can develop very well here. I'll continue to give everything to achieve my goal of playing for BVB's Bundesliga team."