dpa
Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart have signed Belgium international Ameen Al-Dhakil from relegated Premier League side Burnley in order to bolster their defence.
The Bundesliga runnners-up said on Tuesday that Al-Dhakil, 22, has penned a four-year contract until 2028.
“Ameen has very good attributes to become an important part of our defence,” Stuttgart board member for sport Fabian Wohlgemuth said.
“Despite his relatively young age, Ameen has already gained quite a lot of experience, but at the same time he has the potential to develop further.” Al-Dhakil said: “I’m really happy to be here and to become part of the VfB family. I’m looking forward to the big challenge of playing in the Bundesliga.” Stuttgart have lost centre backs Waldemar Anton and Hiroki Ito to Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, respectively, and also have injury woes at the back.
Coach Sebastian Hoeness said on the weekend that signing a new centre back was a top priority.
Stuttgart started the season with a Super Cup defeat on penalties against Bundesliga and German Cup winners Bayer Leverkusen, and also lost their league opener 3-1 at regional rivals Freiburg. They visit second division Preussen Münster in the German Cup later on Tuesday.
