Benfica beat Europe's elite for Dortmund's Julian Weigl
Julian Weigl has completed his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Benfica, who have put a €100m release clause in his contract.
Benfica have completed the €20million signing of Julian Weigl from Borussia Dortmund on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
Weigl swaps Dortmund for Benfica
The two clubs confirmed a fee had been agreed on December 31, with the deal now complete following Benfica's announcement to Portugal's Securities Market Commission.
Weigl, 24, joined Dortmund from 1860 Munich in 2015 and initially settled well, spending most of his first three seasons in the starting XI.
Liebe BVB-Familie,
— Julian Weigl (@JuWeigl) January 2, 2020
Ich danke euch für die tolle Zeit!
Ich habe hier Freunde fürs Leben gefunden, meinen ersten Titel gefeiert und durfte die Liebe der BVB-Fans spüren!
Es gab viele Höhen und es gab auch Tiefen, durch die ich gereift bin. Von Herzen DANKE!🖤 #newchapter pic.twitter.com/2Ntw9dnvnF
During that time he was reported to have become a target for many of Europe's biggest clubs, with Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain said to have been enamoured of his eye-catching style of play and passing ability.
He fell somewhat out of favour last season and, although he started 12 of Dortmund's 17 Bundesliga games this term, sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed Weigl asked to leave.
Related stories
The Germany international has signed on until 2024 and Benfica confirmed his contract contains a €100m release clause.
✍ Bem-vindo, @JuWeigl!#PeloBenfica
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) January 2, 2020
Benfica sit top of the Primeira Liga with 39 points from 14 matches