Union Berlin sign Neven Subotic from Saint-Etienne

Promoted Union Berlin have bolstered their defence ahead of their maiden top-flight season with the acquisition of former Bundesliga winner Neven Subotic, who was most recently with Saint-Etienne.

Subotic played 26 times as Saint-Etienne finished fourth in Ligue 1 last term, qualifying for next season's UEFA Europa League, but his contract with the record French champions ran out on 1 July.

It is quite the acquisition for Union. Subotic was a back-to-back Bundesliga champion with Borussia Dortmund under current Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in 2011 and 2012, and, still just 30, should have another few seasons of elite football in his legs.

Mats Hummels (l.) and Subotic (r.) formed one of the best central defences in recent memory under Klopp (c.) at Dortmund. - imago

"I've got great desire for this adventure with Union," the former Serbia centre-back told Union's official website. "I've known the Bundesliga for many years and I'm sure Union will do well in this league.

"With Dortmund, I was already a visitor at the anniversary match in January 2016 and I have fond memories of a very atmospheric evening back then. Of course, I also saw the outstanding pictures of the promotion in May. Now I'm looking forward to becoming part of this club myself and to contributing to a successful Bundesliga season."

Subotic, also a former USA youth international, has signed a two-year contract at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, and could make his debut against Danish giants Brondby in the German capital on Saturday.