Bundesliga
Pongracic joins Dortmund on loan
Borussia Dortmund have bolstered their defence with the acquisition of Marin Pongracic, the Croatia international centre-back joining on a season-long loan from Wolfsburg.
A former Bayern Munich youth academy player, Bavaria-born Pongracic made his name with 1860 Munich and Red Bull Salzburg before joining Wolfsburg in 2020.
Injuries and ill health restricted Pongracic's appearances in Wolfsburg, who have leant predominantly on Maxence Lacroix and USMNT defender John Brooks at central defence in recent seasons, but he has impressed when available, swapping jerseys with Haaland in May 2020 after keeping him from scoring.
Watch: Pongracic's best game for Wolfsburg?
Injuries to Mats Hummels and Emre Can have left Dortmund light in the position, with Axel Witsel - a central midfielder by trade - deputising alongside Manuel Akanji so far this season. Pongracic is the perfect addition then, alongside summer arrivals Donyell Malen and Gregor Kobel.
Pongracic could make his BVB debut as soon as 11 September, when Marco Rose's side travel to the BayArena to take on Bayer Leverkusen - a team he scored a brace against in May 2020.