BVB Buzz
Fansided

Borussia Dortmund’s four best January transfer window signings of all time

By Tushar Bahl

Dortmund's Mats Hummels (L) celebrates with Sebastian Kehl at the end of the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Spain, 30 April 2013. Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++ | usage worldwide (Photo by Federico Gambarini/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Dortmund's Mats Hummels (L) celebrates with Sebastian Kehl at the end of the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Spain, 30 April 2013. Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++ | usage worldwide (Photo by Federico Gambarini/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 12: Sebastian Kehl of Dortmund celebrates with the fans after winning the DFB Cup final match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympic Stadium on May 12, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 12: Sebastian Kehl of Dortmund celebrates with the fans after winning the DFB Cup final match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympic Stadium on May 12, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

Sebastian Kehl (January 2002)

From one former Dortmund captain to another. Sebastian Kehl was a January 2002 arrival who proved to be an excellent signing for Borussia Dortmund. Kehl joined from Freiburg under controversial circumstances. Having already agreed to join Bayern, the defensive midfielder changed his mind and moved to Dortmund instead.

Kehl quickly slotted in the defensive midfield role and helped Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title in the 2001/02 season.

He established himself as one of the team’s most important players, and stood by the club during the tough times. The club also stood by Kehl during his struggles with injuries. And he was given the captain’s armband in 2008 by new head coach Jürgen Klopp.

Unfortunately, his injury woes continued for the next three seasons. But Kehl returned to the starting XI after Nuri Sahin‘s departure, and played a crucial role in helping Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title in the 2011/12 season. Kehl went on to stay at Borussia Dortmund till 2015, before hanging up his boots at the age of 35.

But his contributions to the team will certainly never be forgotten. Kehl was a leader in every sense of the word. He fought hard for the team week in, week out, and was one of the players who brought the best out of his teammates. Kehl ishum a true Borussia Dortmund legend, and there are few players who embody the club’s values more than him.

Home/Dortmund All-Time Lists