Borussia sign Philipp Sander from Holstein Kiel

Borussia Mönchengladbach have signed Philipp Sander from newly-promoted Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel. The 26-year-old midfielder moves to VfL ahead of the 2024/25 season and has signed a contract valid until 30th June 2028.

“Philipp has developed really well – he’s a disciplined, intelligent and industrious defensive midfielder,” said Borussia’s managing director for sport Roland Virkus. “He’s also a really good guy and was a leader in a strong Kiel side. Additionally, he was desperate to come here and is really looking forward to the challenge at Borussia.”

“Borussia are a really special club in Germany and throughout Europe and I believe the club really suits me in terms of the way football is played here. I was immediately hooked when I heard about Gladbach’s interest in me,” said Sander. “I’m looking forward to the team, the coaching staff and all the staff, as well as the completely new environment. However, I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans at BORUSSIA-PARK for the first time most of all.”

Philipp Sander joined FC Hansa Rostock’s youth set-up from his local club SV Hafen Rostock in 2008. He remained at Hansa Rostock until 2015. The two-footed midfielder then joined Holstein Kiel ahead of the 2015/16 season and played for their U19s initially, before moving into the U23s in 2017 and getting promoted to the Regionalliga Nord from the fifth division with the team.

Sander made his professional debut for Kiel during the 2018/19 season when came off the bench on matchday 18 in the 2. Bundesliga at home to Hamburger SV. The Rostock-born midfielder made four league appearances and two DFB-Pokal appearances for Kiel in the following season, before going on loan to SC Verl in 2020/21. He made 35 appearances for Verl in the third division (2 goals, 5 assists), whilst he also made one appearance in the Westfalenpokal.

Sander returned to Kiel ahead of the 2021/22 season and he made 19 league appearances and two DFB-Pokal appearances for Holstein, scoring one goal in the process. He appeared in 32 league games (1 goal, 5 assists) and one DFB-Pokal game in the following season. Sander was appointed as captain ahead of the 2023/24 season. He made 25 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga and also featured in one DFB-Pokal game, scoring three goals and providing six assists. Consequently, he played a significant part in Kiel’s promotion to the Bundesliga.