Michael Zorc: Borussia Dortmund will not sign a new striker in January

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed that they will not be signing a new striker in the January transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund have struggled to score goals in the absence of Erling Haaland, who is out until January with a torn muscle fibre. Youssoufa Moukoko is the team’s only other natural striker, but he is still only 16, and is just getting acclimatized to first-team football. But Michael Zorc has said that the Black and Yellows have no plans to sign a new striker in January.

The Borussia Dortmund sporting director gave three reasons for the decision during Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Werder Bremen.

"Zorc said, “We all know Erling, who wants to be on the pitch every minute he possibly can. It’s also good for us if he is playing a lot.”“Point two. We want to develop Youssoufa as well and not put someone ahead of him (in the pecking order). We’re already hoping that he’ll get some playing time in the coming weeks and months, because at least in training he’s already shown that he is capable.”“And third. If we’re talking about a top striker who can help BVB alongside Erling Haaland, I have to say quite honestly – there’s also no economic basis for that in these times.”"

Erling Haaland is currently Borussia Dortmund’s leading goalscorer this season with 17 goals to his name in just 14 appearances in all competitions. But no other player has reached the five goal mark yet, and Gio Reyna and Marco Reus are in second place with four goals each.

The absence of Haaland was heavily felt in the final few games of the Lucien Favre era, as Borussia Dortmund often struggled to find the net. With Youssoufa Moukoko not ready to start games, Favre used Thorgan Hazard, Julian Brandt and Marco Reus in the false nine role. But the trio weren’t able to make the desired impact.

Borussia Dortmund still have two more games to play before the Christmas break. Interim head coach Edin Terzic will be hopeful of having Erling Haaland back in the squad for the first game of the new year (against Wolfsburg on January 03).