Sven Bender
Sven Bender

Sven Bender signs with twin brother Lars' Bayer Leverkusen


Sven Bender will play alongside his twin brother Lars in the Bundesliga this season after joining Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year contract.

Defensive midfielder Sven, 28, has left Borussia Dortmund to reunite with his brother, with whom he played in the 1860 Munich youth team a decade ago, for a reported fee of 15 million euros (£13.2m).

The duo also won Olympic silver for Germany at last year's Games in Rio.

A statement published on Bayer's official website on Thursday said Sven Bender had signed a deal with the Die Werkself running until 2021.

Bayer sporting director Rudi Voller said: "We're delighted that Sven has decided to sign for us.

"He's an extremely experienced and versatile player, who has proved his class at Dortmund. His quality and leadership will be good for our young team."

Sven Bender won the Bundesliga twice with Dortmund, but was restricted to just six league appearances last term, with injuries hampering his progress at Signal Iduna Park.

Despite that lack of game time, Bayer boss Heikko Henrich was keen to make the Germany international his first signing of the summer.

"I've been talking to him for a very long time" he said. "His mentality and spirit make him an ideal leader on and off the pitch, just like his brother Lars."

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