Swiss arrival

VfL Wolfsburg’s first new signing for the 2023/24 campaign has been confirmed, with 24-year-old Young Boys defender Cedric Zesiger joining the Green-and-Whites for the start of next season. The Switzerland international, who helped his current club secure the Swiss Super League title last weekend, has signed a four-year contract with the Wolves through to 30 June 2027.

“We’re really pleased that Cedric has decided to join VfL Wolfsburg,” said VfL sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz. “He’s a player with enormous potential who already has a great deal of experience despite his young age. With his footballing qualities, mentality, attitude and physique, we’re certain he’ll be a valuable addition to our team.”

Bernese Seeland native Zesiger has spent his entire career to date in his home country. The defender joined Grasshopper Zurich in 2016 after seven years in the youth team of Neuchatel Xamax, making his top-flight debut for the record Swiss champions as an 18-year-old. Since signing for Young Boys in 2019, Zesiger has won two league titles – in 2020 and 2021 – as well as the Swiss Cup in 2020. He has made 135 competitive appearances for the capital club (scoring six goals), including outings in the Europa League and Champions League. This season, the two-time Swiss international has started 27 of a possible 31 Super League games for Young Boys, who have conceded just 26 goals so far.

The Wolves’ new signing was able to get a first look at his future club on Tuesday. “I’ve already met a lot of nice people and have already seen the stadium from the inside,” he said. “I can hardly wait to get started and play there. Before then, though, a big objective of mine is to lift the [Swiss] cup after winning the league title with Young Boys. I’ve had really good discussions with the VfL Wolfsburg management and had a good feeling from the get-go. The overall package is just right.”