Report: Borussia Dortmund faced internal division over squad planning this summer

Information revealed by Patrick Berger in the “Die Dortmund-Woche” podcast further suggests division within Borussia Dortmund over the transfer strategy ahead of this season.

In his Die Dortmund-Woche podcast, Patrick Berger explored some of the internal division within Borussia Dortmund in terms of squad planning ahead of the current season. According to Berger, BVB head coach Edin Terzić was the main driving force behind Niclas Füllkrug’s signing. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl, on the other hand, really pushed for the signing of another centre-back or full-back; positions that have time and time again been highlighted as areas in need of improvement.

While this information isn’t new, the difference in direction between two of the main figureheads in terms of said planning is concerning, especially in this case where the fundamental need for reinforcement was allegedly ignored in favor of bringing in another attacking player. This is by no means meant to be interpreted as discontent concerning Füllkrug; On the contrary his performances have been fairly decent. His signature still remains questionable in the sense that it was made in favor of other areas lacking depth, which if this information is to be considered true, would be problematic and irresponsible.

Füllkrug’s signature was not the only one that was seemingly disagreed on internally, as Marcel Sabitzer’s acquisition was also apparently not accepted with full enthusiasm. The former Bayern midfielder has been improving performance wise this season, and has shown glimpses of what made him so dangerous during his time at RB Leipzig.

The discontent Sabitzer’s signing allegedly caused, while irrelevant now, is problematic in the sense that despite reservations, the decision was made to sign an aging player on a long-term deal with high wages.

While there is always going to be some level of disagreement in terms of a club’s transfer strategy, it becomes a concern when it seems like the main authorities on said strategy are misaligned. Sporting success comes from these two entities working in tandem and not against each other’s visions.

While it’s far too early to talk about a fractured relationship (as this would be unnecessary speculation) a difference of vision is something the club would need to work out internally. These differences in vision cannot be allowed to leave the squad ill prepared personnel-wise ahead in a season such as this one, where the goal should have been to make amends for losing out on the title on the final matchday last season.