Hertha BSC sign Toni Leistner

Hertha BSC have completed the signing of a defensive leader in Toni Leistner. The tough tackling centre-back signed a contract with the club on Friday. The 32-year-old, whose deal at VV St. Truiden ran out this summer, has put pen to paper until 2025 in the capital. “Toni is a leader and a powerful defender both in the air and on the ground. He also knows the 2. Bundesliga really well. He’s got plenty of experience and that will help our team too. We believe that his passionate performances will quickly impress,” said our sporting director Benjamin Weber. “I immediately realised that I am excited for this challenge at Hertha. I want to lead from the front with my experience, perform well and contribute to a successful season,” said our new number 37.

Over 150 second-division appearances, captain in Belgium

The Dresden-born defender made his professional debut in 2011 for SG Dynamo. Following a loan move to Hallescher FC, he joined 1. FC Union in summer 2014. He signed for QPR four years later and then got a move to the Bundesliga, arriving at 1. FC Köln on loan for the second half of the 2019/20 season (13 appearances). Leistner made the switch to Hamburger SV after his spell with Köln and played 19 games in the second division. Overall, the German has played 154 matches in the 2. Bundesliga. His last transfer was to St. Truiden in Belgium in 2021, and he was recently captain of the top-flight side.