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Sokratis Out at Borussia Dortmund? Premier League Teams Are Interested

By Aidan Reagh

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 06: Sokratis of Dortmund reacts during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Signal Iduna Park on May 6, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 06: Sokratis of Dortmund reacts during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Signal Iduna Park on May 6, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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LISBON, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 18: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Borussia Dortmund in action during the UEFA Champions League match between SC Sporting and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 18, 2016 in Lisbon, Lisboa. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 18: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Borussia Dortmund in action during the UEFA Champions League match between SC Sporting and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 18, 2016 in Lisbon, Lisboa. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /

Dortmund supporters in recent years have grown accustomed to a mass exodus of players, but one name that has stuck around over the years is Greek international and fan favorite Sokratis Papastathopoulos. However, this summer could potentially be different. The papers of England are reporting multiple top Premier League sides are interested in the strong man of the back line.

Arsenal

So what clubs are after him? For starters, Arsenal is reportedly interested. However, we all know how Arsenal works in transfer windows. The Gunners eye every good player and end up with a non-leaguer. Much like every other Arsenal target, it just does not seem likely that Sokratis will end up in North London, especially with no Champions League football.

Sorry Pain in the Arsenal.

Chelsea

Staying in London, title-winners Chelsea is another possible destination for ‘Papa.’ If there is one man who knows a good defender when he sees one, it is Antonio Conte.

Goal has made it seem that Chelsea is more interested in Virgil van Dijk and Leonardo Bonucci. Sokratis recently mentioned his desire for more trophies, Chelsea is likely to be the best place to bring him trophies out of all of the Premier League sides interested.

Manchester United

Moving to Northern England, another side interested in Sokratis is the mass spending Red Devils. That’s right; Manchester United are interested in Sokratis.

Would this move be smart for Sokratis? Maybe if it was 2008.

However, Manchester United did find themselves in the Champion’s League thanks to a Europa League win. Also, Sokratis did not necessarily say which trophies he would like to earn exactly. Manchester United did just win the undesired treble last season thanks to winning the EFL Cup, the Community Shield, and of course the Europa League.

Liverpool

One side that has not been officially linked but suspected to be interested is Liverpool. Reuniting with Jurgen Klopp could be very appealing to Sokratis. Not to mention Liverpool are in on a defender who will not be named Virgil van Dijk. It would be surprising for there not to be a mutual interest. However, Liverpool have not won a major trophy in quite some time. But, they are indeed in the Champions League next season and in contention for a Premier League title next year.

What Will Happen?

Here are three likely scenarios for Sokratis.

  1. Sokratis stays with Dortmund.
  2. Sokratis realizes the potential of trophies and leaves for London. (Chelsea obviously, we are talking league titles, not FA Cups)
  3. Manchester United does what Manchester United does best, and that is massively overpaying for a player. Sokratis’ value is at around €28 million, per transfermarkt. With that valuation, Dortmund could expect nearly double to triple the fee if it comes from Manchester.

Sokratis is now 29 years old. If he plans on moving to a top club, the time is now. Like the song from The Clash  goes, Sokratis is probably thinking “Should I Stay or Should I go?”

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