Dortmund signs Greece international Konstantelias

Borussia Dortmund has completed the signing of Greece international Giannis Konstantelias from PAOK Thessaloniki, the Bundesliga club announced on Monday.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder arrived in Dortmund on Sunday before undergoing a medical and signing a five-year contract the following day.

Konstantelias joins after Dortmund turned to alternative targets following unsuccessful negotiations over Cologne winger Said El Mala. The Greece international is expected to strengthen the club's attacking options after Karim Adeyemi's departure to Barcelona.

"We are delighted that Giannis has chosen to join us. He is a talented attacking player whose development we have followed for a long time," sporting managing director Lars Ricken said.

"At 23 he is still a relatively young player, but he already has considerable experience. We would also like to thank the people at PAOK Thessaloniki for the respectful and constructive discussions throughout the transfer process," he added.

Sporting director Ole Book also welcomed the arrival of the midfielder. "With Giannis we are signing a player whose qualities will strengthen our squad. We see a great deal of potential in him and are convinced he fits our team very well," Book said. "I would also like to thank our colleagues at PAOK for the professional and appreciative cooperation in completing the transfer."

Konstantelias came through PAOK's academy after joining the club at 10 and made his senior debut at 17. He spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Belgian side KAS Eupen before returning to establish himself at PAOK.

He helped the club win the Greek league title in 2024 and the Greek Cup in 2021. Konstantelias featured for Greece at youth level and made his senior international debut in March 2023, earning 18 caps and scoring four goals.

"I am very happy to play for Borussia Dortmund in the future," Konstantelias said. "BVB are a big club and I will give everything to achieve success here."

The midfielder now has the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League with Dortmund after PAOK narrowly missed out on Europa League qualification last season.