VfL Bochum has confirmed the signing of midfielder Lars Stindl from Borussia Dortmund, marking a significant move in the Bundesliga transfer market. The 32-year-old German international, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan at VfL Bochum, has officially joined the club on a permanent basis, according to a statement from VfL Bochum’s sporting director, Christian Schlosser. The deal, finalized on July 15, 2024, includes a reported transfer fee of €8.5 million, though Dortmund has not officially disclosed the amount.
Transfer Details and Financial Terms
Stindl’s permanent transfer to VfL Bochum follows a successful loan spell during the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign, where he made 32 appearances and contributed three goals and five assists. The German midfielder, who previously played for Mainz 05 and Werder Bremen, signed a four-year contract with Bochum, extending his stay until 2028. While Dortmund has not released specific financial details, the German press reports the fee as €8.5 million, a figure corroborated by multiple German media outlets, including Sport1 and Kicker.
VfL Bochum’s sporting director, Christian Schlosser, emphasized the significance of the move in a press conference. “Lars is a player of immense quality and experience. His familiarity with our system and his leadership on the pitch make him a vital addition to our squad,” Schlosser said. The club also highlighted Stindl’s role in stabilizing Bochum’s midfield, which finished 12th in the 2023-24 Bundesliga, narrowly avoiding relegation.
Borussia Dortmund’s Perspective
Borussia Dortmund released a brief statement acknowledging the transfer, noting that Stindl’s departure was part of the club’s strategy to “restructure its midfield options.” The statement added, “We wish Lars all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions during his time at the club.” Dortmund’s sporting director, Matthias Sammer, told Bild that the decision was “mutual” and aligned with the club’s long-term plans.
Stindl’s exit comes as Dortmund seeks to integrate younger talents into its first team, including 19-year-old midfielder Noah Mandle, who joined from RB Leipzig in June 2024. The 32-year-old’s departure also signals a shift in Dortmund’s midfield dynamics, where players like Emre Can and Jude Bellingham have dominated recent seasons.
Impact on VfL Bochum’s Squad
The acquisition of Stindl is expected to bolster VfL Bochum’s midfield, which struggled with consistency during the 2023-24 season. The club finished with 44 points, 10 points above the relegation zone, but often lacked creativity in transition. Stindl’s experience in the Bundesliga, combined with his ability to control tempo, could provide the stability Bochum needs to compete in the 2024-25 campaign.
Bochum’s head coach, Michael Krämer, praised the signing in a post-match press conference. “Lars brings leadership and technical ability. His presence will elevate our midfield and give us more options in critical moments,” Krämer said. The club has also expressed hope that Stindl’s leadership will help integrate younger players, including 21-year-old midfielder Timo Baumgartl, who made 20 appearances last season.
Stindl’s Career and Previous Loan Spell
Stindl, a product of Mainz 05’s academy, made his Bundesliga debut in 2011 and has since played for clubs including Werder Bremen and Augsburg. His loan to VfL Bochum in 2023 was initially intended as a short-term solution to address midfield depth, but his performances earned him a permanent move. During the 2023-24 season, Stindl averaged 1.2 key passes per game and completed 87% of his passes, according to Bundesliga statistics.
The midfielder’s decision to stay in Bochum was influenced by the club’s ambitions to build a competitive squad. “I felt at home here, and the project aligns with my goals,” Stindl said in a statement. “I’m excited to contribute to the team’s success in the coming years.”
Broader Implications for the Bundesliga
The transfer underscores the Bundesliga’s competitive nature, where mid-table clubs like VfL Bochum actively seek to strengthen their squads amid financial constraints. Stindl’s move follows similar strategies by clubs such as
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