Borussia Dortmund's Maximilian Beier considered "symbolic" of Hoffenheim's academy philosophy

Borussia Dortmund have continued their vaunted rebuild this week with the signing of yet another player set to change the face of the club in the coming season. German international Maximilian Beier has joined Die Schwarzgelben for a fee of 30 million euros plus add-ons.

Last season, Beier had a standout campaign scoring 16 goals and providing 1 assist, making him a critical part of Hoffenheim’s attack during their campaign. He managed to out-score both Andrej Kramarić and Ilhas Bebou, two of the club’s stalwarts in recent years. Beier was also 5th in terms of top scorers in the Bundesliga itself, which is impressive considering Hoffenheim’s 7th place finish.

In terms of player profile, Beier himself is a very versatile player, able to play as a center forward, on the wing and even as an attacking midfielder. In his last 50 games, Beier spent 39 as a center forward, four as an attacking midfielder, four out on the left side of the pitch and a further three appearances in midfield. His 0.6 goals per 90 across the last year puts him in the 86th percentile when compared to players in a similar position up front, and combined with his 8.33 progressive passes received shows that he is very much a player that knows where the goal is, and what areas to be in to be an attacking threat.

Beier’s performances for Hoffenheim have singled him out as the standard-bearer for the quality of player that Hoffenheim continues to work towards producing in their academy system. Hoffenheim’s Director of Football Frank Kramer highlighted just this in his final words regarding Beier’s time at the club:

"The development of Maximilian Beier is symbolic of the philosophy of TSG Hoffenheim. We always manage to discover and train outstanding talents through our TSG Academy and ultimately transfer them to top international clubs."

- Frank Kramer

While not a direct replacement for newly signed West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug in terms of player profile, Beier offers a level of tactical versatility that will be lost in the departure of Youssoufa Moukoko. He offers Nuri Şahin the opportunity to deploy a more mobile striker up top when the game calls for it, and can also play alongside Dortmund’s marquee signing in attack, Serhou Guirassy, once he returns from injury.

Beier’s signing has given Dortmund the opportunity to help cultivate the skills of a talented German youngster on a long-term deal, which could see the club settled in the striker position for many years to come. If Beier’s last season is anything to go by, Dortmund’s overall attacking output is about to improve significantly with this new, lethal addition to the front line.