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Borussia Dortmund II centre-back Christoph Zimmermann joins Norwich City
Christoph Zimmermann has signed for Norwich City. Picture: Jasonpix/NCFC - Credit: Archant
Norwich City’s defensive recruitment work has bagged its first signing, and he’s German.
New Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke has gone back to what he knows for his first defensive signing since arriving at Carrow Road. Picture: Denise Bradley - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
Borussia Dortmund II centre-back and captain Christoph Zimmermann has opted to join City’s new head coach Daniel Farke and assistant Eddie Riemer, in making the switch from Westfalenstadion to Carrow Road.
The 24-year-old, 6ft 4in defender joins City as a free agent from Dortmund’s Under-23s side, signing a two-year deal.
“He’s very big, tall, strong and powerful and he’s an intelligent boy,” said Farke. “He was my captain of my under-23 team at Borussia Dortmund, and he fits English football because of his powerful way. We’re very happy he’s chosen to come to Norwich.”
Zimmermann came through the youth system at Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, making his professional debut for their B-team in the German third division back in 2014.
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He reached 50 appearances, scoring two goals, before making the move to BVB’s second string – where Zimmermann played under both Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner and new Norwich head coach Daniel Farke.
Known for being a reliable professional and strong in the air, Zimmermann made 47 appearances for Farke’s side last season as they earned promotion to 3 Liga – the third tier of German football.
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“I’m extremely delighted and very honoured for the opportunity,” said Zimmermann. “I’m already counting the days to get started. I’ve had a really positive first impression, so I’m looking forward to meeting all the guys and I cannot wait to start working.”
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Zimmermann joins City captain Russell Martin and Switzerland international Timm Klose as the current recognised centre-backs at Farke’s disposal, although it remains to be seen whether potential suitors will see to Klose’s eventual exit from Carrow Road.
City’s new signing is expected to ensure they have deep enough defensive resources to get through an entire Championship campaign – however it seems likely a more experienced, front-line defender also remains on the Canaries’ summer wish list.
Zimmermann’s arrival looks set to put Norwich’s interest in highly-rated Lincoln defender Sean Raggett to bed for the foreseeable future.
Yet City are expected to continue their loan pursuit of 19-year-old Arsenal and Poland Under-21 centre-back Krystian Bielik, in what seems destined to be a fluid situation throughout the summer as Norwich try to create a more robust defence for next term.
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