Hans-Joachim Watzke: Borussia Dortmund monitoring the centre-back situation closely

The majority of Borussia Dortmund’s transfer business appears to be done following the arrival of Donyell Malen. But the BVB bosses aren’t ruling out further signings just yet.

Borussia Dortmund have made four signings so far this summer. They have brought Gregor Kobel from VfB Stuttgart for 15 million euros. Donyell Malen has arrived from PSV Eindhoven for a fee of 30 million euros. While Soumaila Coulibaly and Abdoulaye Kamara have both joined on free transfers from Paris St. Germain.

It remains to be seen if Borussia Dortmund will be active again in the transfer market this summer. Centre-back is one possible area where they could look to strengthen their squad. Injuries to Mats Hummels, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Soumaila Coulibaly and Nnamdi Collins mean that BVB will likely head into the new season with Manuel Akanji as the only fit natural centre-back in the squad.

Hans-Joachim Watzke said on Wednesday that he does not think it is absolutely necessary for the Black and Yellows to sign a new central defender this summer. But he added that they are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

"“Manuel will be back tomorrow, Mats is here. I think he’ll be back much sooner than has been speculated. Emre is also back. In September, we’ll have two more centre-backs, so hopefully after the international break in September, we’ll have four or five centre-backs.”“As things stand, we don’t think it’s absolutely necessary for us to strengthen ourselves at centre-back. But I’m not ruling anything out, we’re monitoring the situation closely.”"

Watzke also said that Borussia Dortmund have the economic strength to be able to make further signings, but reiterated that they will look to be careful due to the financial uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"“We still have the economic strength to be able to do one or two things, even without further transfer income. But we are also a bit of an economic blind spot with COVID. We have to build up reserves and see how the season develops in the midst of the pandemic. So it helps to be a little cautious at the moment. I have the feeling that we have a pretty decent team when everyone is there and in an adequate condition.”"

Sebastian Kehl also spoke about potential new signings in an interview with BILD. The BVB head of players department said that they are monitoring the transfer market, but added that they will not be making another big-money signing this summer. “We are waiting to see how our personnel situation develops. But we are watching the market and are prepared for all scenarios. I will not comment on any names. But we will not be able to manage a transfer of this magnitude this year as of now”