Reus to join Dortmund at season's end

Borussia Dortmund have announced that VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Marco Reus will join them on a five-year contract at the end of the season after Die Schwarzgelben triggered a €17.5m release clause in his contract.

Reus has been in fine form for Mönchengladbach this term scoring ten goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances, including a hat-trick in the 5-0 home defeat of SV Werder Bremen in November. The 22-year-old joined Mönchengladbach from Rot Weiss Ahlen in summer 2009 but it has been his performances this term that have left the Foals faithful dreaming of a return to the glory days of the 1970s and earned him his first international cap.

Reus featured in Germany's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group A victory against Turkey on 7 October and the win, by the same scoreline, against Belgium four days later. "I have decided to take the next step after this season and I want to play for a club who are competing for the title," he said. "I also want to play in the Champions League and Dortmund can offer me that chance."

Though competing for domestic and European honours is usually enough to entice any player it was not the only lure for Reus, who has many personal ties with Dortmund. He was born in the city and represented the club at youth level between 2003 and 2006, while his family and girlfriend still live there. "It's important to me that I am in a sound and healthy environment," he said. "I know that that will be the case in Dortmund."

Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc added: "Marco Reus was our primary transfer target for the attacking department. We are very pleased that Marco has decided to join BVB despite high-profile competition." Club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke was also delighted to sign the former Dortmund youth team player. "Marco Reus is a player who makes the difference, and he is a true Dortmund lad."

Mönchengladbach are lying fourth in the Bundesliga, one point adrift of second-placed Dortmund and four behind leaders FC Bayern München.