BATE Borisov's Mladenovic moves to Cologne

Serbian defender Filip Mladenovic has joined Cologne from Belarusian champions BATE Borisov.

Cologne strengthened their defence with the signing of the left back, who penned a contract until June 2019 with the 'Billy Goats', reports Xinhua.

"With the signing of Filip Mladenovic we complete our squad. He is an internationally experienced and a hard-running left back, who drew attention in the current Champions League season. I am therefore very pleased that he has opted for us," Cologne sporting director Joerg Schmadtke said on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old wore, since February 2014, BATE's outfit and scored two goals in 78 appearances. Mladenovic made his debut for Serbia in 2012.

"The Bundesliga is a great challenge for me and I am very happy that I can approach it with Cologne. The talks with those responsible have convinced me that this is the right move," Cologne's new arrival said.

Mladenovic received jersey No.25 and joined his new teammates on Tuesday. Cologne are currently ninth in the standings before they encounter relegation-threatened Stuttgart on January 23 in the 18th round of Bundesliga.