Tom Rothe leaves Borussia Dortmund to join Union Berlin on permanent transfer

Tom Rothe has made the surprise decision to leave Borussia Dortmund on a permanent transfer, joining Union Berlin in a deal worth five million euros.

Highly rated left-back Tom Rothe has made the decision to leave Borussia Dortmund after his successful loan spell at Holstein Kiel last season. Union Berlin have won the race for his signature, and the 19 year old has signed a five-year contract with the capital club.

According to multiple reports in Germany, Borussia Dortmund will receive a transfer fee of around five million euros for Rothe. The Black and Yellows have also secured a buy-back option, which would make it possible for the club to re-sign Rothe if he continues his impressive development in Berlin.

Rothe is coming off an impressive season on loan with Holstein Kiel, and played a crucial role in their promotion to the Bundesliga. Playing at left wing-back, he scored four goals and assisted a further ten for Kiel. He will now hope to play regularly in the Bundesliga with Union Berlin and take the next steps in his development under Bo Svensson.

The departure of Rothe may prompt Borussia Dortmund to step into the transfer market for a new left-back. BVB only have three first-team full-backs in their ranks at the moment, with Ramy Bensebaini and Julian Ryerson both capable of playing at left-back, and new signing Yan Couto a right-back. Although, fellow summer signing Pascal Groß also has experience of playing at full-back.

Alternatively, Borussia Dortmund could decide to promote Almugera Kabar to the first-team. The 18 year old is rated highly, and has attracted the interest of Chelsea and FC Barcelona in recent months.