1. FC Heidenheim have signed midfielder Dženis Burnić on a permanent basis from Borussia Dortmund.
The 22-year-old has spent the last 18 months on loan with Dynamo Dresden, but has now signed a three-year contract at the Voith-Arena.
He had made just two first team appearances for Dortmund, a brief cameo in the Champions League and a full match in the Bundesliga against Darmsatadt, both in the 2016-17. He also made a handful of appearances for Stuttgart in the top flight.
With Dresden though, he appeared 35 times after signing on loan in January 2019, an arrangement that was then extend over the course of last season. Although he played previously at left-back, he is much more established now as a holding midfielder.
As such, he is the first piece in the puzzle as Heidenheim begin to rebuild the squad following the departures of Niklas Dorsch, Sebastian Griesbeck and Tim Kleindienst.
Holger Sandwald, Heidenheim CEO, said that Burnić is already experienced at this level and will “further develop our game structure.” He also feels his in “one of the greatest (midfield) talents” and expects the German under-21 international to “take the next step in his career” with the club.
“The perspective that 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 showed me completely convinced me to want to help shape the path of this ambitious club,” said Burnić himself. He accepts he arrives at a time of transition but says he is “ready to take on the responsibility.”
He has been handed the number 20 shirt. He is the club’s third signing of the summer, with Marvin Rittmüller having already joined from Köln and Andreas Geipl, who Burnić will likely partner in midfield, coming from Jahn Regensburg.
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