Borussia Dortmund’s Tom Rothe reportedly targeted by Union Berlin

Borussia Dortmund’s transfer window has been an eventful one so far, with the signings of Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton both being announced formally by the club. These moves are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expected changes at the club, however.

According to new reports from Bild, one of Dortmund’s young jewels is being targeted by Union Berlin. The player in question is German youth international Tom Rothe. Up until this point, Rothe, who had an exemplary season out on loan with newly promoted Holstein Kiel, has been planned as one of Dortmund's go-to left-backs for the coming season alongside Ramy Bensebaini.

The report indicates that Rothe is seen as a replacement for the likely departing Robin Gosens. To ensure that they get the player they desire, Union is said to be offering Rothe a "lucrative deal" to join the club. As of right now, however, Rothe is with Dortmund on the club's Asia tour. Decisions regarding Rothe's future in lieu if this offer have been slated to take place after the club returns to Germany.

Any way one looks at it, getting rid of Rothe by sending him off to Union is a bad idea. The former academy prospect has risen through the ranks and proven that he deserves a substantial chance for the senior side, and considering Dortmund's current left-back depth, this is the perfect opportunity for the player to get that chance.

Dortmund has been linked with numerous fullback options in recent weeks, with most, especially those set to fill the left-back position, having been proven to be well out of reach financially for the club to actively pursue. Getting rid of a talented in-house option would only set the club back at this point, and would send the club in search of an "affordable option" that could end up having less quality than Rothe might in the not-so-distant future.