Dortmund's Subotic aims to rebuild career in Koln loan

Injury-plagued Neven Subotic will make a case for Thomas Tuchel's first XI away from Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan at FC Koln.

The Serbian defender is yet to make a competitive appearance this term and made just five Bundesliga starts last season due to elongated spells in the treatment room. He's under contract at the Westfalenstadion until 2018.

Both club chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke and sports director Michael Zorc stressed that Dortmund will continue to be Subotic's home, and said the shift was granted so the 28-year-old could regain match fitness.

Subotic, a fan favourite at Dortmund, was an integral component of the outfit's consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as its unexpected Champions League final berth in 2013.

"I am here with a smile on my face and am excited to take on this challenge with a new club," Subotic told Cologne's official website.

"I am very grateful for the fantastic years at BVB. As an ambitious professional my focus starting today is 100 percent on Cologne. I want to play in the Bundesliga again. That is what spurs me."