Borussia Dortmund has successfully completed the signing of young Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi from Boca Juniors. The teenager was initially expected to join the club at the end of the season but they decided to fast-track the move after the recent injury to Manuel Akanji, who has been crucial at the heart of the club’s defence.

“The transfer of Leonardo Balerdi is one with potential which was initially planned for the summer,” Zorcwas quoted as saying by the club’s official website. “Leonardo is an intelligent, strong and powerful central defender who is also powerful in the air. We are happy that he opted for us and that his talent will help us in the future.”

Dortmund have enjoyed a fruitful first half to the season where they have suffered the single league defeat and this sees them at the top of the table with a six-point gap over Bayern Munich. As such, the hierarchy are determined to have sufficient depth across all departments and Balerdi could act as a potential back-up choice if required.

Meanwhile, “the Bundesliga giants are still in contention for the Champions League crown“ where they are scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur at the round of 16 stage. Dortmund have experienced a mixed set of results against Spurs in the past but they “should provide good competition“this time around with the form they have exhibited through the campaign.

Moreover, their opponents are expected to be without Harry Kane through injury during the double-legged tie and this could further enhance Dortmund’s chances of making the quarter-final phase. Dortmund return from their winter break this weekend where they have a tricky league game against RB Leipzig on the road. Dortmund dominated the reverse fixture in August where they picked up a comfortable 4-1 triumph despite trailing within the opening minute of the game.