Transfer Review: How Borussia Dortmund’s summer signings have fared so far
By Tom Rodgers
Borussia Dortmund had a busy summer transfer window with the departure of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United and the arrival of several new players, including Donyell Malen, Gregor Kobel and Marin Pongracic.
Jadon Sancho was one of the most creative players in the Bundesliga during the few seasons he played for Borussia Dortmund and it was never going to be an easy task to replace him following his move to Manchester United. The Black and Yellows made three big signings during the summer, bringing in goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, forward Donyell Malen and defender Marin Pongracic. They also signed highly rated youngsters Soumaila Coulibaly and Abdoulaye Kamara. But the duo are players for the future and haven’t yet played for the senior team.
With a third of the season now done, we take a look at how Borussia Dortmund’s summer signings have fared so far.
Donyell Malen
Donyell Malen joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer on the back of a strong season with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. Malen scored 19 goals and created another eight in 32 appearances for the Dutch side before joining the Black and Yellows in the summer for a fee of around 30 million euros.
The Dutch international however has struggled to adjust to life in the Bundesliga and hasn’t managed to register a goal in the league as of yet, with his only goal so far coming in the UEFA Champions League against Sporting CP.
Malen has also frustrated fans and Marco Rose alike with his lack of work-rate without the ball and his lack of involvement in the attacking play. On more than one occasion this season, Malen has been subbed off with Borussia Dortmund behind in the game and needing a goal, which is not a good sign for a player signed to score goals.
However, the 22-year-old is averaging 0.7 key passes per game so he is still trying to get his teammates involved and it will be important for him to not become frustrated despite only being able to register two assists in the league so far.
Malen is still only 22 and has plenty of time to adjust to life at Borussia Dortmund. While he hasn’t managed to hit the ground running, this transfer can be seen as an investment into the club’s future with the hope that he can find his feet and show what he is capable of.