Bundesliga relegated Hertha BSC have presented their fifth external newcomer for the upcoming second division season.

After Jeremy Dudziak (Greuther Fürth), Fabian Reese (Holstein Kiel), Marius Gersbeck (Karlsruher SC) and Gustav Christensen (FC Midtjylland U19), Hertha BSC have now presented their fifth external addition.

Toni Leistner, an experienced central defender who is strong in two tackles, has joined the capital club. The 32-year-old, whose contract with VV St. Truiden in Belgium expired this summer, has committed himself to Hertha until 2025. Leistner was most recently team captain for the Belgians.

“Toni is a leader who knows how to hold his own both on the ground and in the air and knows the 2nd Bundesliga very well. He also has plenty of experience that will be good for our team. We firmly believe that he will quickly convince with his passionate commitment,” Hertha sport director Benjamin Weber describes the addition.

“I immediately felt that I was up for the task and the Berlin way at Hertha. With my experience, I want to lead the way, perform and make my contribution to a successful season,” emphasised Leistner.

Born in Dresden, Leistner made his professional debut in 2011 in the SG Dynamo jersey. After a loan spell with Hallescher FC, the 1.90-metre tall player joined 1. FC Union in the summer of 2014. Four years later, the right-footed player moved to England to join Queens Park Rangers. Leistner finally made the leap from the Championship to the Bundesliga.

During a loan spell at 1. FC Köln in the second half of the 2019/20 season, the defensive player made 13 appearances in the German top flight. This was followed by a move to Hamburger SV. The Saxon played 19 matches for the North Germans in the 2nd division, in which he made a total of 154 appearances. Since 2021, the new Hertha player has been playing in Belgium’s highest division. At St. Truiden, the leading player most recently served as captain.