Hans Joachim Watzke: No money left for new signings at Borussia Dortmund

Hans Joachim Watzke has ruled out any more major incomings at Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke spoke in an interview with German press agency dpa about Borussia Dortmund’s goals for the season, the Jadon Sancho transfer rumours, and the potential timeline for the return of fans. The 61 year old also confirmed that the Black and Yellows will not be making any more new signings this summer.

Watzke was asked if Borussia Dortmund if the squad planning was complete ahead of the upcoming season.

"“The fact is: There is no money left for transfer fees”, Watzke said. “If you lose four million euros in every game without spectators, and we do, then you don’t have to be a prophet to calculate in which direction that will go.”"

Borussia Dortmund have already made two signings this summer. Right back Thomas Meunier has joined on a free transfer from Paris St. Germain, and highly rated midfielder Jude Bellingham has arrived for a fee in the range of 25 million euros from Birmingham City.

Speaking about Jadon Sancho, Watzke said that it is now “set in stone” that the Englishman will be staying at Borussia Dortmund for the upcoming season. Despite the BVB bosses’ stance that Sancho will not be sold, the English media has continued to link him with a move to Manchester United.

"“I read that, too (rumours in English media). That’s what experts like Paul Scholes or Owen Hargreaves say. They were great footballers, and they are football experts. But I don’t know if they’re also transfer experts. Sancho staying at BVB is set in stone.”"

Watzke also added that there is no danger of Sancho forcing a move away from Borussia Dortmund like Ousmane Dembele and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang did.

"“We have a good relationship with his advisors. We recognise that Jadon has reacted very well. And he recognises that we have a good team in which people enjoy playing football. He shows this joy every day. In training. In the game.”"

Watzke was also asked about the recent comments made by former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness, who said that Borussia Dortmund sign highly rated players only to sell them a few years later.

"“It is normal for us that a player changes from time to time. This is due to the stage of development of the club. I can still remember how the Bavarians used to have to give up good players because they hadn’t reached the right stage of development yet.”“The Munich-based club is now one of the five most successful and wealthiest clubs in the world. We are not one of them. But we have developed magnificently since our near bankruptcy 15 years ago. But we cannot perform miracles. Nor can we do magic.”"

Speaking about the potential return of fans, Watzke said he cannot imagine 20,000-25,000 spectators being in the stadiums for the Bundesliga restart.