BVB coach Jan Zimmermann welcomed the next new addition to the U23 squad at the start of training on Wednesday morning: Ayman Azhil has joined Borussia Dortmund’s third-division team from Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer.

The 22-year-old progressed through all the Bayer Leverkusen youth ranks, before moving to Dutch top-flight outfit RKC Waalwijk on a two-year loan in 2020. The defensive midfielder made 50 appearances in the Eredivisie before then returning to the Werkself last summer. Azhil made one cameo appearance against VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga last season. The Düsseldorf native has signed with BVB on a year-long deal.

Head coach Jan Zimmermann said: “Ayman is a very interesting player who has trained a lot under top conditions in the last year and previously showed his qualities in Waalwijk. We’re happy that he will now take his next steps at Borussia Dortmund.”