Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica have announced the arrival of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl in a €20m deal ahead of the January transfer window.


The 24-year-old has spent the last four and a half years at Borussia Dortmund where he emerged as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe, attracting interest from a host of top clubs across the continent.

Julian Weigl

But things haven't gone Weigl's way in recent seasons and that's seen fall down the pecking order with the Black and Yellows.


The Germany international has been tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund for some time, and S.L. Benfica have now confirmed that they've reached an agreement to sign Weigl in a €20m deal once the transfer window re-opens.


Benfica haven't confirmed the length of the contract that Weigl will sign at the Estádio da Luz.


"I would like to thank my teammates, BVB employees and all fans of this great club for a great time and will always have Borussia Dortmund at heart," Weigl said via Dortmund's official website upon the announcement.


Borussia Dortmund's sporting director, Michael Zorc, added: "Julian came to us with this wish and we agreed - also because of his services to the club. We wish him all the best for his future!"


Weigl made 171 appearances for Borussia Dortmund across all competitions during his spell with the club - featuring predominantly in midfield but also recently as a makeshift centre-back

He was part of their squad that lifted the DFB-Pokal trophy in 2017 as well as the German Supercup at the start of the season.


At Benfica, Weigl will join the likes of former Real Madrid striker Raúl de Tomás, ex-Premier League star Adel Taarabt and Portugal international Pizzi.