BERLIN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund signed defender Nico Schulz from their rival Hoffenheim on Tuesday.

Schulz started his career with hometown club Hertha Berlin and joined with Hoffenheim in 2017. The 26-year-old defender now has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga giants Dortmund until 2024.

"Nico Schulz is a defender who has improved significantly in the last few years," Sporting director Michael Zorc said. "A player like him with his fighting spirit and his desire to be successful would help any team."

Last season, Schulz scored one goal and set up six more for Hoffenheim.

"I believe that I can help the team with my way of playing," Schulz said.

According to the report from Kicker magazine, Dortmund paid 27 million euros (30 million U.S. dollars) for the player, making Schulz Dortmund's second most expensive signing after Andre Schuerrle.