If you wanted to get a first glimpse of Borussia Dortmund’s prominent summer signings at their inaugural training session on Wednesday, you likely were disappointed.
The only new arrival on the pitch was Alexander Meyer. The 31-year-old joined BVB from 2. Bundesliga side Jahn Regensburg on a free transfer to become the second goalkeeper behind Gregor Kobel after the departures of Marwin Hitz and Roman Bürki.
“Of course, it’s a big step from me,” Meyer said about his move to the Westfalenstadion, adding: “But when Dortmund calls, you don’t have to think twice. I’m happy to be here now.”
“I’m coming from the second division, and Jahn Regensburg weren’t exactly in the running for a promotion. But I believe I performed really well in the past three years, played almost every game, and I’m in top physical shape. I just wanted to take the next step to the first division.”
Meyer was the reserve keeper for 1. Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart between 2017 and 2019, but did not make a top-flight appearance during his time with the Swabians. He made 101 appearances in three seasons with Regensburg.
“Obviously, you’re surprised when Borussia Dortmund calls. But the talks were very pleasant and I’m glad that the move happened in the end,” the keeper explained.
The decision to sacrifice playing time to become the reserve keeper at Dortmund was sweetened by the prospect of playing in front of 80,000 fans.
“The first thing you associate with BVB is the yellow wall, the fans, the atmosphere. I experienced it once with VfB Stuttgart. The club has a big prestige in Germany and in Europe,” Meyer expanded.
“Playing for a club like Dortmund, also on the international stage, is a childhood dream coming true.”
(Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
