Franz Pfanne has extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund, which was due to expire in the summer, by a further two years. The 29-year-old defensive specialist has captained the U23s since 2020 and has appeared in a total of 140 matches for BVB to date, scoring eight goals.

A native of Saxony, Pfanne joined BVB from SV Rödinghausen in the summer of 2020 and was part of the U23 squad that won promotion to the 3. Liga. He played in 32 of the 34 matches in the successful 2020/21 season.

Next week, Pfanne can become BVB's record appearance-maker in the 3. Liga: no Black & Yellow player has played more than 101 third-tier games for BVB's U23s. The 29-year-old is very happy with the decision: "I've had four really good years here: promotion to the 3. Liga, three great seasons here, and now I can also become a record-breaker. I'm looking forward to two more seasons at BVB."

Ingo Preuss, sporting director of the U23s, is also pleased about the captain's contract extension: "We had good discussions with Franz and we are all more than happy that he will stay with us for another two years and accompany the young players on their way to the top."