Borussia Dortmund transfer window review: Another Michael Zorc masterclass
By Tushar Bahl
Incoming Transfers
Emre Can (€25 million – Juventus) Thomas Meunier (Free Transfer – PSG), Jude Bellingham (€25 million euros – Birmingham City), Reinier Jesus (Loan – Real Madrid), Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (€90,000 – Manchester City)
Borussia Dortmund completed the permanent signing of Emre Can, after signing him on an initial loan deal from Juventus back in January. They also brought in right back Thomas Meunier on a free transfer to replace Achraf Hakimi, and beat a number of big clubs to sign highly rated midfielder Jude Bellingham. While Reinier Jesus joined on loan from Real Madrid to add some attacking depth to the team.
Meunier has had a bit of a rough start to the season, looking a bit shaky in the opening few games. Obviously it will be impossible for him to match Achraf Hakimi’s attacking output, and he needs to do a lot of work on his quality going forward. But his performance against Freiburg is an encouraging sign that things are heading in the right direction with him. And if it doesn’t work out with the Belgian international, Mateu Morey looks ready to take over at right wing-back.
Few would have expected Jude Bellingham to make the impact that he has, and that too, so quickly. The 17 year old has transitioned seamlessly to life in the Bundesliga, and looks tailor made for this Borussia Dortmund side. He plays like a seasoned professional in his prime, and has already become a regular starter, adding some much needed aggression and dynamism to the midfield. He will only get better from here, and it looks like the Black and Yellows have found yet another future star in Bellingham.
Reinier Jesus was carrying an injury when he arrived on loan from Real Madrid, and has yet to make his first start for Borussia Dortmund. He hasn’t looked promising in the fleeting appearances he has made. But he will certainly get better with time as he gets more accustomed to life in Germany. This is another no risk signing, as even if it doesn’t work out for him at the club, Borussia Dortmund have enough quality in their attack. Reinier is a pure depth signing, and hopefully we will get to see what he is capable of soon.
16 year old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens also arrived from Manchester City for a measly training compensation of €90,000. He is rated very highly in England, and hopefully we will see him in the first team in the coming years.