Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund habe announced the signing of Belgium international Axel Witsel from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian.

Witsel has made use of a exit clause in his contract with Tianjin Quanjian, while Dortmund agreed to pay the fixed transfer fee.

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder has agreed a deal with BVB that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2022. The transfer is expected to be made official within the next few days via the “FIFA TMS”.

“We have been very interested in bringing Axel to the club for a number of months now and are really happy that he has opted for Borussia Dortmund. Axel is a player of great international experience who brings all the qualities required to make a mark on the BVB midfield: tactical awareness, strength when challenging for the ball, pace, creativity, and mentality,” Borussia Dortmund’s Sporting Director Michael Zorc said in a statement on the BVB website.

Talking about his transfer, Witsel said: “After the World Cup, I was determined to transfer back to Europe.”

“I am really happy and also proud that I will soon be able to play for BVB. I didn’t have to think about it for very long after our first discussion because Borussia Dortmund is one of the best clubs on the continent in my opinion. I honestly cannot wait to run out in front of 81,000 people,” he added.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup bronze medallist joined his new team yesterday at Borussia Dortmund’s summer training camp in Bad Ragaz (Switzerland).