1. FC Köln have signed Dominique Heintz. The 30-year-old centre-back has joined FC from 1. FC Union Berlin and signed a contract until 30th June 2024.

FC Managing Director, Christian Keller said: “Dominique has proven his Bundesliga standard many times in his career. During his time in Bochum, he showed that he can play in the middle and also as a wing-back. In Dominique, we are getting flexibility in our squad and a huge amount of experience. And we are certain, that he will be a win for our team with his personality.”

Dominique Heintz said: “I am really pleased to be back at FC. Despite leaving, the club always remained something special to me, because I have a lot of good memories from my time at FC. My family and myself always felt at home here. As the opportunity arose to play for FC again, it was immediately clear, that I wanted to do just that and help the team to play a successful season.”

Dominique Heintz was born on 15th August 1993 in Neustadt an der Weinstraße. After taking his first steps in football at SV Herta Kirrweiler, he made the move to 1. FC Kaiserslautern’s academy. On the Betzenberg, he made his way into the first-team. The former Germany under-21 international made his Bundesliga debut in the 2011-12 season for FCK, before joining 1. FC Köln ahead of the 2015-16 campaign. In the following three seasons, he made 108 appearances before joining SC Freiburg after relegation in 2018. In January 2022, he moved to 1. FC Union Berlin and spent the previous season at VfL Bochum on loan (12 appearances). The 30-year-old is on the verge of his 200th Bundesliga appearance (199 games, four goals, three assists).