Borussia Dortmund new boy Manuel Akanji was part of the Switzerland side that beat Northern Ireland in the FIFA 2018 World Cup play-offs last November. - © © imago
Borussia Dortmund new boy Manuel Akanji was part of the Switzerland side that beat Northern Ireland in the FIFA 2018 World Cup play-offs last November. - © © imago

Borussia Dortmund sign Manuel Akanji from Basel

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Borussia Dortmund have bolstered their defence with the signing of Switzerland centre-back Manuel Akanji from Swiss Super League champions Basel.

The 22-year-old, capped four times by his country, has signed an four-and-a-half-year contract at the Signal-Iduna Park, with his arrival giving Marc Bartra, Sokatis and Ömer Toprak increased competition in central defence.

"I felt very well in the talks with the Dortmund managers," Akanji told the Dortmund club website.

"It was a decision from the heart. I've always liked the football played in Dortmund and I'm looking forward to my time here. I will do my best."

Akanji, who will wear the number 16, has featured in all 19 of Swiss champions Basel's Super League games this season, scoring once. The former Winterthur youth player also appeared in all six of Basel's UEFA Champions League group stage matches.

"He's a nice guy, who's pretty grounded," said Dortmund head coach Peter Stöger of his newest recruit. "When he's on his game, we know what he's capable of. He'll do us good."

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