Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Boca Juniors defender Leonardo Balerdi, with the Argentina U20 international signing a long-term contract at the Signal Iduna Park.

Balerdi, 19, is a rangy central defender capable of bringing the ball out from the back having been a midfielder in his youth, and is expected to provide fierce competition for the likes of Manuel Akanji and Abdou Diallo in the second half of the season.

"The signing of Leonardo Bernardi was originally planned for the summer, but has now been brought forward," explained Dortmund sporting director Michale Zorc. "Leonardo is an intelligent central defender, who's strong in the tackle and in the air. His build-up play and passing are also good. We're very happy to have signed him and we're confident he will be an asset for us going forward."

Already an Argentine Primera Division winner with Boca, Balerdi will be optimistic of adding more silverware this season with Dortmund currently six points clear in the Bundesliga.

Balerdi could make his Bundesliga debut as soon as 19 January, when Dortmund take on fellow title aspirants RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena.

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SIGNAL IDUNA PARK