Examining the elements of Borussia Dortmund’s proactive transfer approach
By Joseph Meyer
Borussia Dortmund priced out of Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen moves
While Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen made a big impact, Borussia Dortmund shouldn’t have needed them in the first place. Maatsen fit into the BVB squad perfectly and played an important role. Many of us were optimistic in BVB retaining the Dutchman’s services for another season, but once Dortmund pursued a permanent transfer, that notion became unrealistic. When Maatsen signed for Aston Villa for upwards of 45 million euros it was evident BVB couldn’t compete. While he had a phenomenal half-season in Dortmund, the club simply couldn’t justify breaking their transfer record for him. It’s simply too much, and too a high a risk spending that on a player who had six good months.
The prospect of Sancho returning poses a similar problem with Manchester United demanding a similar fee. Borussia Dortmund certainly cannot justify that kind of fee for him either. He showed he’s still a strong player, but not for that price. At least not to a 50+1 club. There needs to be special circumstances if Borussia Dortmund are to break their transfer record.
The striker situation in Dortmund is one to watch
But it still shows the club's proactive approach. After securing the signing of Serhou Guirassy from VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund now employ four strikers. Nuri Sahin has said he can’t imagine beginning the new season with four strikers, so why would the club purchase a new one before selling one?
Because Serhou Guriassy’s release clause was just 18.5 million euros and he’s coming off an excellent season. Without that release clause, a player like him could easily be finding a new club for double or triple the fee, and several other clubs were interested in his signature. While Guirassy’s long-term consistency is something of a gamble, it’s one the BVB bosses think is worth taking. Had they waited, Guriassy would have surely transferred elsewhere. He would also not have signed for Dortmund if he didn't anticipate regular gametime so the question remains: who will leave?
The most likely candidate for departure is Sebastien Haller. His salary is high and his contributions have been limited. Youssoufa Moukoko could also leave permanently or on loan, but I can’t imagine BVB will try to sell Niklas Füllkrug. Although he’s thirty-one, so if Dortmund receive a lucrative offer, he could be heading for the exit. He’s also a player who seems to welcome some healthy competition however, so he could happily stay. Time will tell.