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Before & After; Grading Last Season’s Borussia Dortmund Transfers

By Alex Orillac

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 28: (L-R) Ousmane Dembele, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund lift the DFB Cup trophy as the team celebrates during a winner's parade at Borsigplatz on May 28, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pool - Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 28: (L-R) Ousmane Dembele, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund lift the DFB Cup trophy as the team celebrates during a winner's parade at Borsigplatz on May 28, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pool - Getty Images) /
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Borussia Dortmund has sold a lot of valuable players in the last few years. However, when Dortmund sells talent, they bring in talent.

But, in these scenarios, have Dortmund come out on top?

Following is a list grading how these players are doing at their current clubs and how their replacements at Dortmund have done.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Luka Modric of Real Madrid is challenged by Mats Hummels of Bayern Muenchen during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Muenchen at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 18, 2017, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Luka Modric of Real Madrid is challenged by Mats Hummels of Bayern Muenchen during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Muenchen at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 18, 2017, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Mats Hummels: Former Dortmund captain Mats Hummels was one of the best center backs in the Bundesliga during his reign at Dortmund. He became a Dortmund player in 2007 after failing to impress at Bayern Munich. The German left Dortmund last season on a transfer worth $35 million. In just one season with Bayern, people regard Hummels as the best Bundesliga center back.

Last season grade: +A

Replacement: Marc Bartra (From Barcelona, $8 million)

Last season grade: +B

Final Verdict: Even though Marc Bartra performed last season, amidst the given circumstances nevertheless, he wasn’t near Mats Hummel’s level. With Hummels at 28 years of age and Barta 26, Hummels is currently above Bartra. Marc can become an undisputed starter for years to come, but he was no match for the legendary Hummels who can be regarded as the best center back to ever play at Dortmund.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 24: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017, in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 24: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017, in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: The Armenian joined the Dortmund ranks in 2013 from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on a fee worth $25 million. In the 2015/16 season, he blew up scoring 23 goals and assisting 32. Eventually, in 2016, those performances earned him a transfer to Premier League giants Manchester United for $42 million. He had a rough start of the season as he failed to gain the trust of Jose Mourinho. But, the Armenian managed to finish the year strong.

 

Last season grade: -BReplacement:  Ousmane Dembele (From Stade Rennais, $15 million)

Last season grade: +A

Final Verdict: Mkhitryan’s loss wasn’t as tough as it everyone initially thought it was going to be. Dembele hit the ground running and managed to assist 18 times this past season. Dembele is young and full of potential, he is only 20 years old and got himself a spot on the Bundesliga’s team of the season.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Ilkay Gundogan: The German center midfielder was crucial for Dortmund. He left Dortmund last season in favor of Manchester City for $27 million. Gundogan spent almost all of the season injured at his new home thus not being as important for the Citizens as planned. But, in his moments of playing for Pep Guardiola’s side, Gundogan performed rather well.

Last season grade: -C

Replacement:  Gonzalo Castro (From Bayer Leverkusen, $11 million)

Last season grade: C

Final Verdict: Gundogan could have done a way better job at Dortmund than Castro last season. Even though Castro played 42 games, he isn’t a long-term option for Dortmund. Maybe young Mahmoud Dahoud, who has signed with Dortmund, could be that guy to truly succeed Gundogan.

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