1. FC Köln have announced the signing of Filip Mladenovic from BATE Borisov, in a deal believed to be worth €1.4m. The Serbian defender has signed a deal through to 2019 with the Billy Goats, and has been handed the number 25.
A promising start to his career
The 24-year-old was in high demand after some stellar performances since joining the Belarusian champions, especially in the UEFA Champions League. Mladenovic made the move from Red Star Belgrade to BATE in the 2013-14 season and has been a feature of their side from then on. A full-back that has the ability to provide a real attacking threat on the left-hand side, he will be a more than capable back-up to Jonas Hector.
He played a total of 78 matches for his former club, including 11 Champions League group stage games and scored twice in this year's competition. Mladenovic made eight appearances for Serbia's under-21 side, but has featured just once for the senior team. He'll be looking to make that step up with the move to the Bundesliga, as he enters an important part of his career.
Schmadtke and Mladenovic exciting about the challenge ahead
"With Filip Mladenovic we complete our squad," said managing director, Jörg Schmadtke. He added, "He is an internationally experienced and strong left-back, who has drawn attention to himself in this season's Champions League. I am therefore very pleased that he has chosen for us and we were able to make this transfer happen."
Mladenovic also spoke about the move, "The Bundesliga is a great challenge for me and I am very happy that I can tackle it with 1. FC Köln." He continued, "The conversations with the board have absolutely convinced me that the effzeh is the right move for me."
The Serbian admitted just how excited her was about the challenge ahead, "I've heard a lot about 1. FC Köln in my homeland Serbia. I'm really looking forward to meeting my new team, the city and the club."