Borussia Dortmund's five recent big money signings that flopped

Borussia Dortmund’s five recent expensive transfer flops

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MARCH 08: Andre Schuerrle of Borussia Dortmund reacts during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Red Bull Salzburg at the Signal Iduna Park on March 8, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

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Dortmund’s Italian striker Ciro Immobile reacts during the German First division Bundesliga football match Borussia Dortmund v VfL Wolfsburg in Dortmund, Germany, on December 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ /

Ciro Immobile

Ciro Immobile was the striker brought in to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left for Bayern Munich in 2014. After a strong season with Torino in Serie A, he was signed for nearly €20 million. Immobile ended his time in Dortmund with 3 goals and 1 assist in 24 Bundesliga appearances, not quite the return when you shell out that kind of money on a striker.

Immobile seemed too rushed to make an impression with Borussia Dortmund and probably strayed from what made him successful in an attempt to win the starting striker spot. He was constantly wasting opportunities with rushed shots from distance and in the end lost the trust of Jurgen Klopp and the club.

Immobile was loaned out and then shipped permanently to Spain and had similar results there before returning to Italy. Since returning he has absolutely lit the league up again with Lazio. In the 2017/2018 season, he nabbed 29 goals and had 8 assists in 33 games. At this point, he should know that he has the best chance to be successful in Italy, and for whatever reason his game just doesn’t translate to other leagues.

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