Borussia Dortmund have signed Germany international Julian Brandt from fellow Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the new season. The 23-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2024 with the Black & Yellows.

"Although Julian Brandt has already been playing in the Bundesliga for some time and has lots of experience at both national and international level, at 23 years of age he's still a young player with lots of potential for development. He can be deployed in several attacking positions and will enhance our game with his creativity," said Borussia Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc of the new recruit from Leverkusen.

Brandt, who was born in Bremen, made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 17 and has already racked up 165 appearances in the German top flight, notching 34 goals and 41 assists. He has also featured in the UEFA Champions League 15 times. Last season, he was one of the best-performing players in German professional football in terms of goals and assists combined (ninth place in the Bundesliga ranking) as well as the number and speed of sprints made.

"I'm very motivated and optimistic!"

"I'm a person for whom gut instinct and having a good feeling is important when it comes to decisions," said Julian Brandt, adding: "When it comes to Borussia Dortmund, I have a very good feeling. I would like to continue my personal development, that's one of the main reasons for my transfer. BVB came extremely close to winning the title last season. So there's room for improvement. I have high hopes with the lads, I'm very motivated and optimistic – not just when it comes to my development as an individual, but the development of the entire team too."

The transfer is still subject to the final details being clarified between the two clubs.