Borussia Dortmund signs rising star Ousmane Dembele

The 18-year-old France international joins the Bundesliga giant after a breakout season in Ligue 1.

Borussia Dortmund has landed another one of Europe's rising stars. 

Ousmane Dembele will join Dortmund from Ligue 1's Rennes, with the 18-year-old forward signing a deal through 2021, Dortmund announced on Thursday.

Dembele, who turns 19 on Sunday, has been one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe, voted as Ligue 1's best young player after scoring 12 goals in his first season of top-flight action. He reportedly drew interest from the likes of Barcelona, Mancheser City and Manchester United. He joins a Dortmund side that has cultivated some of Europe's top rising talents over the years and will finish second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich. 

"Ousmane can play nearly every position in attack. He is strong one-on-one, he can play with both feet, he is good at nutmegging and dribbling, and he is fast and dangerous in front of goal," Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said in a statement. "I have nothing but respect when I see how many high profile offers from all over Europe Ousmane has turned back and how he has stood firm about his commitment to BVB over such a long period of time."

The Dembele signing comes on the heels of Bayern luring Mats Hummels back from Dortmund while also signing a rising star of its own, 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches. Sanches signed for a reported $40 million. The transfer fee for Dembele has not been disclosed.