VfL Bochum have been able to present the central defender they are looking for ahead of their away game at TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday (15:30).

It leaked out on Wednesday, and was confirmed on Thursday. VfL Bochum have signed their sought-after centre-back. Dominique Heintz is moving from Union Berlin to Castroper Straße. The 28-year-old, who still has a contract in Berlin until 30 June 2024, will be loaned out for one season.

Sebastian Schindzielorz, managing director of sport at VfL Bochum, is delighted with the new signing: “Dominique Heintz is a Bundesliga player with quality. He will strengthen our central defence, and as a left-footer he fits the requirement profile exactly: experienced at Bundesliga level, tall, robust, strong in two fights, a leader. Dominique knows the challenges that the team will face and he is ready to face them and go forward. He is in training rhythm so the settling in period will be as smooth as possible. “

The defender himself, who recently didn’t always get the hoped-for appearances at Union and SC Freiburg, reported after his signing: “I’m very happy that the move to VfL worked out. Bochum have made a lot of effort to find me and I hope that I can play my part in keeping VfL in the Bundesliga. I’m familiar with the fight to stay in the league from my previous positions; in Kaiserslautern, Cologne, Freiburg and also at Union, that was often enough the goal of the season. VfL is a traditional club, the stadium in the middle of the city, nice and close, with a good atmosphere and enthusiastic fans – that’s what I like. The last time I wore a blue and white jersey was at my home club SV Herta Kirrweiler, which was a while ago. “