Hazard capture signals BVB intent to fight once more for Bundesliga title

Hazard capture signals BVB intent to fight once more for Bundesliga title

It seems that Belgium star Thorgan Hazard didn’t have to think too long and hard before he made his decision. And that decision was to call time on his career at Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach and make the switch to Borussia Dortmund.

Midfield ace Hazard, a former Chelsea youth player, has dazzled all season and while he may not have the value or kudos of his older brother Eden, the Stamford Bridge playmaker, he is certainly a footballer, aged just 26, with bundles of skill and, more importantly bags of potential. Will he eclipse his brother in terms of ability? Who knows. But the point is, as far as BVB are concerned, he is one for the here and now as well as the future.

Hazard — who netted 10 goals and made 12 assists as Monchengladbach came fifth in the league — has penned a deal that keeps him at the club for five-years and that is worth a reported £30million. And he said:

“Now was exactly the right time to take the next step in my career. I’m thankful for five fantastic years at Borussia Mönchengladbach, and have some wonderful memories. I’m proud to be able to play for Borussia Dortmund. They’re a top club with incredible fans.”

Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc says he is excited to recruit the player, adding:

“He’s an experienced Bundesliga and Belgium national player who’ll help us with his pace and shooting ability. He has consistently proven his class in recent years.”

But Hazard isn’t the only acquisition made by Lucien Favre, whose side ended up as runners-up in the Bundesliga, agonisingly two points adrift of champions Bayern Munich. German schemer Julian Brandt has made a move to Dortmund, from Bayer Leverkusen, and he too is on a five-year contract.

Brandt, who is aged 23 and who made 43 appearances for Leverkusen last term, grabbing 10 goals, said of his move:

“I am a person who sometimes decides things from the gut and for whom a good feeling is important. In the case of Borussia Dortmund, I have a very good feeling. One of the main reasons for my change is that BVB narrowly missed the title last season, so there is room for improvement.”

BVB have done other business, too, and snapped up Hoffenheim left-back Nico Schulz for £22million fee. He, like his new team-mates, has penned a five-year deal. He knows coach Favre well after a spell under his tutelage at Borussia Monchengladbach.

And Spanish attacker Paco Alcacer has joined the Signal-Iduna Park on a full-time deal after his loan spell from Barcelona became a permanent one. He bagged 18 goals in 26 Bundesliga matches last time of asking.

BVB aren’t hanging about as they continue to prepare for next season!