Bastians spent most of his time in England on the bench. He played as a defensive midfielder in the earlier stages of his career, always managing to get up for corners and head the ball goalways. Forest boss Colin Calderwood named him as an upcoming talent and already a huge asset to the club. He had a successful debut, assisting a goal in Forest's 3–2 defeat against Woking in the Football League Trophy in November 2005. He joined Northwich Victoriaon loan from Nottingham Forest in November 2006, scoring once in four appearances. He then joined Gillingham on 22 March 2007 on a loan until the end of the 2006–07 season. He made his Gillingham debut in the 5–0 away defeat to Carlisle United on 24 March 2007 and scored his first goal in a 3–2 away defeat to Rotherham United on 7 April 2007. Bastians was part of the successful Forest reserve side who won the Pontins Holiday League Championship title for the 2006–07 season, beating Rotherham 2–0 in the play-off final, Bastians scored a number of goals throughout the season to help his side lift the title. He joined Chesterfield on a month's loan in October 2007. He impressed in his spell at Chesterfield, scoring one goal in thirteen appearances. His loan spell there ended on 2 January 2008. Bastians signed for Notts County two days later on a month's loan. On 14 February 2008 he joined another League Two club, MK Dons, once again on a month's loan. He later returned to The Reds, but failed to earn himself a new dealat the club and was released by mutual consent by manager Colin Calderwood on 21 May 2008. Bastians ended his forest career having played 33 games and scoring five goals in the process. He is the third youngest player ever to play for Forest, behind Gary Mills and Craig Westcarr.
After just one year with Young Boys Bern he left on 7 July 2009 in order to transfer to SC Freiburg. Since his return to Germany, Bastians has swapped his position as a Winger to a defender, being mainly used as a centre back alongside Pavel Krmaš.
On June 2013, he was loaned out to Bochum. After the loan spell, Bastians returned to Hertha Berlin. On 9 October 2014, Hertha released him. On 17 November 2014 the VfL Bochum announced signing Bastians starting 1 January 2015.
In January 2018 he moved to Tianjin Teda in the Chinese Super League who, managed by countryman Uli Stielike whose daughter is reportedly married to Bastian's brother, paid around €1 million for his services.
Statistics
International career
He has represented Germany at U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-19 level and is an U-21 international where he has yet to win his first cap. Bastians has a sweet left foot, although he can competently use his right, and can play in a number of positions in midfield, on the wing or up front. His main attributes are his pace and strength and he is able to hold the ball up well as well as turn a defender with his pace.
