Bundesliga side Hoffenheim have prioritized the signature of Dortmund star Dan-Axel Zagadou this summer.

The defender, who will be a free agent by the end of June after the expiration of his contract, will now look to exit the Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund Football Director Sebastian Kehl also revealed last month that the player’s representatives and the club have held talks about the decision made not to renew the player’s expiring contract.

In preparation for the new campaign, Hoffenheim will be looking to strengthen their defense and have identified Dan-Axel Zagadou as one of their targets in the transfer market.

Further reports have it that the Dortmund man is not the only target as there are other targets with Machester City’s centre-back Ko Itakura and John Brooks from Wolfsburg.

In past years, Zagadou has not had it easy due to several injuries, which has altered his playing time. If he can manage to stay fit, he could be a great asset to Hoffenheim in case they secure his services.

The 23- year old is a tested Bundesliga material and solid at the back when in top form. He joined the Black and Yellow outfit in 2017 from French side PSG and has gathered a total of 91 appearances.

However, the arrival of Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck will further push him down the pecking order hence, the decision of the club to let go of the French international.

Zagadou’s next destination, for now, remains unknown as he has previously revealed he’s keeping his option open for his next move.

“For now, I’m still a Dortmund player till my contract expires by the end of June. I don’t know my next move, but my options are wide open, and we’ll see in the coming days”. He said.

As for Hoffenheim, they will look to improve on their 9th placed finish last season and will have high hopes for the new season ahead after the appointment of André Breitenreiter as their new manager.

Written by: Akinnifesi Olumide