VfB Stuttgart have secured their first new signing for the up-coming 2017/2018 Bundesliga season. Orel Mangala makes the move from RSC Anderlecht to the club in the shirts with the infamous red hoop. The new number 23 has signed on with the Cannstatt Boys until 2021.
19-year-old Orel Mangala was released on loan from the legendary Belgian club to Borussia Dortmund last season. At BVB, the 1,80-meter-tall midfielder established himself in the U19 side, winning the German championship in May. Orel Mangala made a total of 27 appearances in the 'A-Jugend Bundesliga', scoring four goals. In addition, Orel Mangala played four UEFA Youth League games for BVB.
Orel Mangala has been a regular figure in Belgian international youth teams, winning a total of 37 caps (4 goals) from U15 to U19 levels. With Belgium’s U17s, the midfielder took a third-place spot at the 2015 World Cup in Chile.
Jan Schindelmeiser, Sporting Director at VfB Stuttgart:
"Orel Mangala is a well-educated and very ambitious player, who has recommended himself for greater things with his consistently good displays at junior level. He can operate in midfield both in defensive or attacking positions. Orel has all the necessary prerequisites establish himself in the Bundesliga step-by-step."
Orel Mangala:
"The philosophy at VfB Stuttgart and the direction of the club, which was explained to me by Jan Schindelmeiser, really interested me. I saw the pictures from the promotion celebrations and I was deeply impressed by what I saw. I am looking forward to my time at this fantastic, tradition-steeped club."