Five new signings to watch in the Bundesliga
Berlin, Thursday
The 2020/21 Bundesliga season kicks off on Friday when holders Bayern Munich launch their quest for a ninth straight league title at home to Schalke.
Here is a quick look at five new signings to look out for this season:
LEROY SANE (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich paid Manchester City 45 million euros ($53 million) to bring Sane back to the Bundesliga and the Germany winger hopes to make his debut on Friday at home to Schalke 04, where he started his career.
There is much pressure on the 24-year-old to show the star quality Bayern demand and realise his potential.
“I have big goals with FC Bayern - and I want to show that people can completely rely on me,” said Sane.
JUDE BELLINGHAM
(Borussia Dortmund)
The 17-year-old junior England international became the youngest scorer in the German Cup on Monday following his 26-million-euro transfer from Birmingham City when Duisburg were brushed aside 5-0 in the German Cup.
The skilful central midfielder has already impressed his team-mates with his maturity, even though he only turns 18 next June.
“He is only 17, but he plays like a man,” said Dortmund forward Thorgan Hazard after Bellingham’s debut.
“He is a very good player to keep the balance between attack and defence. He can help us a lot.”
HWANG HEE-CHAN (RB Leipzig)
The South Korea striker has been signed from sister club Red Bull Salzburg for 15 million euros and has the tough task of replacing Timo Werner, who scored 34 goals last season before joining Chelsea.
The 24-year-old is regarded as “one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in South Korea” by both Leipzig and Salzburg’s former head coach Ralf Rangnick.
TAHITH CHONG (Werder Bremen)
Bremen just avoided relegation last season, but have boosted their attack by signing the 20-year-old winger on loan from Manchester United.
The promising Netherlands Under-21 international from the Caribbean island of Curacao has already hit the net for Bremen.
“Helping the team with your own qualities - that’s what you want,” said Chong after scoring on his debut last weekend in a 2-0 German Cup win over Carl Zeiss Jena.
REINIER (Borussia Dortmund)
Reinier Jesus Carvalho, 18, has been signed on a two-year loan deal from Real Madrid to bolster Dortmund’s attacking midfield options.
The Brazil Under-23 international will rival Julian Brandt and US starlet Giovanni Reyna, 17, for the role of deputy to club captain Marco Reus, who is working his way back from injury.
Reiner made his Dortmund debut in Monday’s thrashing of Duisburg as a second-half replacement for Sancho. -AFP
