Two Ligue 1 midfielders Borussia Dortmund should target: A statistical analysis
By Eli Brand
What Youssouf Fofana and Dion Lopy could offer to Borussia Dortmund
Youssouf Fofana played significant knockout stage minutes for France in their World Cup run in addition to an incredible 3000 minutes in Ligue 1 last season. He is valued at 25 million euros by transfermarkt and has a profile big enough to satisfy a fanbase desperate for an adequate Bellingham replacement.
Fofana looks capable of covering both midfield roles. Importantly, Monaco will feel some pressure to cash in on a player who could sign a pre-contract agreement in six months and might be amenable to an exit this summer.
Dion Lopy, while lacking the same profile, had around 1500 minutes in all competitions last season for an 11th placed Reims side. However, with Özcan not being trusted in key moments, the 21 year old, primed for a breakout campaign, could be a shrewd investment at around his transfermarkt valuation of 4 million euros. Lopy may be one to keep an eye on as a potential long-term target, especially if BVB decide to part ways with Özcan down the road.
Next. Evaluating a move to Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid’s Sergio Arribas. dark
Borussia Dortmund could conceivably get both Fofana and Lopy for around 30-35 million euros. This would save the club considerable money and also add the reliable depth in midfield they so desperately lack at the moment.