One of Borussia Dortmund’s most promising academy players is reportedly interested in signing a loan for next season. Popular tabloid, Sport Bild is suggesting the nineteen year old wishes to develop further, and his best chance to do that could be in finding first team minutes elsewhere in the Bundesliga.
Wätjen, who has made 5 senior appearances in Black and Yellow is an incredibly promising player who is skilled technically, and has played in Borussia Dortmund’s youth teams since 2015. Yet, despite the likely midfield overhaul this summer, the club has asserted their confidence in Felix Nmecha and Pascal Groß to ack as the double-pivot. Depending on who leaves and who signs this summer, there could be other coverage in those positions by experienced players like Emre Can or Marcel Sabitzer. A loan for Wätjen to another Bundesliga club, or second tier team who could guarantee him first team minutes, could be the best scenario for both Wätjen and Dortmund.
Sebastian Kehl and company will have to approach this subject carefully, especially if they believe in the young German. Many fans still lament the transfer of Tom Rothe to Union Berlin last summer. Although there is a buy-back option, the Dortmund academy player was able to play a significant role for Union. His strong performances left many questioning why Dortmund allowed such a young talent to leave.
It's too early to know what will happen with Wätjen, but I’ll always respect the fact that he finished his high school exams the same day Borussia Dortmund defeated PSG in Paris last season. Wätjen still made it, and I’m sur he’ll never forget the celebrations.