Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund have confirmed their first signing ahead of the 2019/20 season.
BVB looked poised to clinch their ninth league title this season, but were pipped to the trophy by Bavarian giants Bayern Munich, who managed to overturn a nine-point deficit 15 games into the campaign to win the league by two-points at the end of the campaign.
However, Dortmund have already begun preparations for next season, hving now confirmed the acquisition of Germany left-back Nico Schulz.
?? Borussia Dortmund verpflichtet Nico Schulz von der @tsghoffenheim! Der 26-Jährige unterschreibt einen Vertrag bis 2024! #SCHUUULZ
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) May 21, 2019
Alle Infos ?? https://t.co/fvcansetsU pic.twitter.com/Iq88ZmHlsO
Schulz, 26, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be in the region of €25 million (R403 million).
"Borussia Dortmund is a top club whose team plays a football that suits me. I believe that I can help the team with my way of playing. Together we can achieve big goals," Schulz said via Dortmund's official website.
BVB sporting director Michael Zorc also commented on the transfer, one he is very happy with.
"Nico Schulz is a defender who has improved significantly in the last few years," he said.
"We will profit from his physical strength, his speed and his extremely dynamic style of playing just as the German national team has profited from this. A player like him is good for any team when you consider his fighting spirit and his desire for success."
Overall, Schulz made 37 appearances in all competitions for Hoffenheim in the 2018/19 campaign, registering nine assists along the way.