Wolfsburg signs Belgian midfielder Junior Malanda

Published Aug. 1, 2013 12:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Wolfsburg has signed highly rated Belgium youth international Junior Malanda from Belgian Pro League side Zulte Waregem.

The Bundesliga club says the 18-year-old midfielder is getting a contract to 2018 and will be loaned back to his former side until the end of this year.

The club did not disclose the transfer fee.

General manager Klaus Allofs says Wolfsburg observed Malanda for a long time and is delighted that he decided to join the club ''despite a lot of international competition.''

Malanda made 35 appearances in Belgium's top division last season, his first as a professional, helping Waregem to second place. He also made four appearances in the Belgian Cup.

Malanda says ''the Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in the world. I want to take the next steps here.''