OFFICIAL: Anthony Modeste joins Borussia Dortmund from FC Koln

Borussia Dortmund have signed French striker Anthony Modeste from FC Koln for €5 million. The 34-year-old has joined BVB on a one-year contract.

Modeste has been signed as a short-term replacement for Sebastien Haller who was diagnosed with testicular tumour upon his medicals.

Haller’s need to undergo chemotherapy means he will be absent for several months. Dortmund had to secure the services of another striker.

Modeste scored 20 Bundesliga goals and assisted three more in only 32 appearances for The Billy Goats. He is the sixth on the all-time active Bundesliga scoring charts.

BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “After our analysis of last season, we made a conscious decision to recruit a classic centre-forward who could bolster our offensive game by offering physicality, a strong aerial presence and a goal threat,”

“In light of Sébastien Haller’s illness, we are glad that, in Anthony Modeste, we have been able to add another striker with this profile to our squad for the current season. He is a seasoned pro who knows the Bundesliga very well, who scored 20 goals last season and who, with his skillset, can fill the exact role that our coach Edin Terzic envisages for the BVB style of football.”

Modeste said: “I am very grateful to 1. FC Köln for the wonderful and successful time I had there. However, I have now decided to make a change. The offer from BVB has given me a special chance to play in the Champions League at my age and to prove myself at the highest level. I am delighted about this opportunity and I promise that I will give everything for the success of the team and the club.”

Modeste is Dortmund’s sixth signing of the summer after completing deals for Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck, Salih Özcan, Karim Adeyemi, Jayden Braaf, and Haller.