Earlier today, Borussia Dortmund’s first signing of the summer of 2018 was announced. BVB have signed Swiss keeper Marwin Hitz to a three year contract. Hitz is expected to provide competition for fellow Schweizer Roman Bürki, who struggled during the 2017/18 season. I personally am a big fan of this signing, and I’m here to explain why.

Hitz was an Excellent Shot-Stopper Last Year

I haven’t watched a ton of Augsburg football this year, so I can’t tell you how Hitz has looked over the course of the season. I’ve gone over his numbers, though, and they look promising to say the least.

I compiled the goals against and saves of the top 20 most active goalkeepers this season, and calculated save percentage off of those figures. Of the 20 keepers who have made the most saves in the Bundesliga, Marwin Hitz was one of the most consistent. His save percentage was the 3rd best in the Bundesliga, ahead of other keepers that I’ve seen thrown around on this site, like Lukas Hradecky and Oliver Baumann.

Hitz is a Seasoned Veteran

Marwin Hitz has been around. He’s played over 100 matches for Augsburg over the past five seasons. Augsburg aren’t the flashiest team in the world, nor the most defensively sound, so Hitz has had his fair share of goaltending to do over the past couple seasons. One of the most common criticisms of Roman Bürki is that he crumbles under pressure. Hitz doesn’t have a ton of experience in the Champions League, but he’s seen plenty of action before, and from what I’ve seen, knows how to keep a calm head.

The definition of clutch:

It’s a Free Transfer

I understand why some are upset that BVB haven’t signed a more elite keeper. I would have been clicking my heels if BVB had signed Pavlenka, for instance. The problem is that BVB supposedly have a very limited transfer budget this season, and we have a laundry list of positions that are, in my opinion, more pressing issues. We need to buy a striker: whether it’s Batshuayi, Morata, or someone else, BVB are going to need to spend heavily.

We’re likely going to need at least two full-backs, a defensive midfielder, and likely at least one more winger. That’s a ton of players that BVB need to buy, and signing a seasoned veteran keeper on a free transfer is an excellent way to save cash for other transfers.

Your Thoughts

What are your thoughts on BVB’s newest signing? Have his numbers changed your mind in any way? Leave your thoughts below.