BVB has committed the next player for the coming season: Salih Özcan comes from the league competitor – and signs a long-term contract.
The personnel plans in the black and yellow are taking shape: Borussia Dortmund has signed the Turkish national player Salih Özcan from 1. FC Köln. The 24-year-old has a contract with the Revierklub until June 30, 2026, as BVB announced on Monday.
Fourth newcomer
“He’s an extremely strong player in tackle and headers. One who goes where it hurts and does everything uncompromisingly to ensure that his team is successful,” said Dortmund’s designated sporting director Sebastian Kehl. “His mentality and physique, paired with his game intelligence, will do our team good.”
Özcan was born in Cologne and has played for FC since he was young. The midfielder made 31 appearances for Cologne in the Bundesliga last season and scored two goals. In 2021 he became European champion with the German U21.
“I would only have left my city for very few clubs,” said Özcan. “Borussia Dortmund’s energy, which you can really feel, plus the opportunity to play regularly in the Champions League, ultimately led me to my decision.” After Niklas Süle (FC Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (SC Freiburg) and Karim Adeyemi (RB Salzburg), Özcan is Dortmund’s fourth new signing for the coming season.