Watzke: Jude Bellingham and Gio Reyna will stay at Borussia Dortmund for a long time
By Tushar Bahl
Gio Reyna and Jude Bellingham will be playing at Borussia Dortmund ‘for a long time,’ CEO Hans Joachim Watzke has said.
Despite being just 17 year old, Reyna and Bellingham have already become key players for Borussia Dortmund. Both players been involved in all six of the Black and Yellows’ games so far this season. And Hans Joachim Watzke is convinced that the talented duo will be playing at the Westfalenstadion for years to come.
"Speaking in an interview ZDF, the Borussia Dortmund CEO said: “We have many young players with us who have a lot of potential. We are currently forming an important axis. Bellingham and Reyna will certainly stay here for a long time.”"
Bellingham only joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window, signing an initial three year deal with an agreement in place to extend his contract by another two years when he turns 18. While Reyna’s contract will be extended by another three years on his 18th birthday next month.
Watzke’s words will certainly be music to the ears of Borussia Dortmund fans. Reyna and Bellingham are two of the most talented young prospects in the world at the moment, and they will only get better in the coming years.
Watzke also spoke about the transfer saga surrounding Jadon Sancho which dominated headlines in England throughout the recently concluded transfer window. The 61 year old said that the club had an agreement with the Englishman which would have allowed him to leave if their terms were met, but hinted that Manchester United misjudged the situation.
"“I heard and read everywhere in the spring that Sancho was gone. But he’s still here. We had an agreement with him and it didn’t look like that. [They] misjudged the situation. We would be more willing to compromise. We had a clear line and will continue to do so next summer.”"
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During the interview, Watzke also backed Lucien Favre, saying that the BVB bosses have always been satisfied by his work. He also said that Sebastian Kehl is in pole position to replace Michael Zorc as sporting director when the latter decides to step down, but added that a final decision will be made towards the end of the season.