The 26-year-old joined Paderborn in January 2018 and played a key role in helping the side earn promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2018/19 campaign, scoring 16 goals in 31 games. It was the left-footed midfielder's second successive promotion with the club, having helped them climb up from the third division the previous season, during which he registered two goals in 16 appearances.
VfB Head of Sport Thomas Hitzlsperger: "We need players like Philipp Klement who'll make us better in Bundesliga 2 and who obviously also have the potential to play in the Bundesliga. What was more important, however, was his willingness to decide to come here at an early stage. That's what Philipp showed. We're very happy we were able to persuade him to join VfB."
Philipp Klement: "Over the past few weeks I've had a lot of positive talks with Thomas Hitzlsperger and Sven Mislintat. I quickly realised that I was determined to join VfB, regardless of the division they're in, because I like the club's long-term vision and the coach's playing style. And after they were relegated, all I could say was 'now more than ever!' I'm looking forward to preparations getting under way for the new season."