Ansgar Knauff set to become a permanent part of the Borussia Dortmund first-team squad

Borussia Dortmund are planning to keep Ansgar Knauff in the first-team squad on a permanent basis following the highly rated winger’s encouraging performances in recent weeks.

Ansgar Knauff made his Bundesliga debut against FC Köln last month and assisted a late equaliser for Erling Haaland. The 19 year old was rewarded with a place in the starting XI for the first leg of the Champions League tie against Manchester City earlier this week. He put in an encouraging performance and showed that he is capable of making an impact on the biggest stage.

Michael Zorc was asked about Knauff’s future during the press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against VfB Stuttgart. The Borussia Dortmund sporting director confirmed that the winger will not be leaving on loan next season, and will be a permanent part of the first-team squad going forward.

"“The plan is for Ansgar to stay with the professionals and become a proper, full-fledged squad member. That’s the plan,” Zorc said."

Knauff has gone from strength to strength since being called up to train with the senior team during pre-season. The Germany U-19s international has been a crucial player for the Borussia Dortmund U-23s this season, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 22 appearances in the Regionalliga West.

Borussia Dortmund rewarded Knauff for his performances for the U-23s by handing him his first professional contract in November. He then made his senior debut just one month later, and now he is set to become a permanent member of the first-team squad.

Knauff, who can play both as a wing-back and a winger, will now be aiming to continue his rise in the coming weeks and months.