Report: Borussia Dortmund had interest in Philipp Lienhart before he extended Freiburg contract

Borussia Dortmund had interest in signing Philipp Lienhart before he decided to extend his contract with SC Freiburg.

It was announced on Thursday that SC Freiburg have extended the contract of Philipp Lienhart. Freiburg managed to convince the centre-back to stay, amid interest from a number of clubs in his signature. According to BILD, Borussia Dortmund were among the many clubs interested in signing Lienhart.

The tabloid claims that Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest, AFC Bournemouth, and a number of La Liga clubs were also keeping tabs on the former Real Madrid defender. There was a release clause of around 15 million euros in Lienhart’s previous contract, but he decided to extend his stay with SC Freiburg.

Philipp Lienhart joined SC Freiburg in 2018 and has established himself as an important part of their team over the years. The Austrian international helped Christian Streich’s side secure a fifth place finish in the Bundesliga standings in the recently concluded campaign, ensuring that they will play in the UEFA Europa League again next season.

Borussia Dortmund only have three senior centre-backs in their ranks at the moment, and could do with some added depth in that position. But it remains to be seen if they will sign a new central defender this summer following Mats Hummels’ decision to extend his contract with the club.

The Black and Yellows are hoping to sign Edson Álvarez, who is primarily a defensive midfielder but is also capable of playing as a central defender. The Mexico international admitted recently that he could leave Ajax this summer.