Papastathopoulos replaces Santana at Dortmund

Just three days after losing the UEFA Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund have begun preparing for the 2013/14 campaign. With Felipe Santana leaving for FC Schalke 04 on a three-year deal, Sokratis Papastathopoulos has arrived from SV Werder Bremen to plug the gap.

"We are very happy that Sokratis has decided to join Borussia Dortmund," said BVB sporting director Michael Zorc. "He is very flexible in defence, can play different positions and we are confident he has huge potential." Papastathopoulos, who has signed a five-year contract, made 59 Bundesliga appearances for Bremen having moved from Genoa CFC in 2011.

"I have benefited a lot from the two years at Werder," said the Greek international, 24. "Now it is time to make the next step. I would like to thank everyone who helped me on my path to this point."

Santana switches to Dortmund's local rivals Schalke with a view to more first-team football – and impressing Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. "The decision to leave the club was a tough one," said the 27-year-old, an unused substitute at Wembley on Saturday. "I extended my contract last summer even though I wasn't a regular player, but I need to become one if I want to fulfil my dream of playing for Brazil [at the 2014 FIFA World Cup]."