Whether it be Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze, Mats Hummels or Christian Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund have always followed a similar transfer trend, so, what changed in the case of Jadon Sancho?
That trend, of course, is one of maximum profitability. In essence, it makes the club a selling club, yes. But, also a profitable and sustainable club. Sometimes, the trend may not make sense from a footballing perspective. From a business sense, however, Dortmund’s transfer strategy is up there with the likes of Ajax.
Yet, last summer- after missing out on the Bundesliga title once again- something changed. Those at Dortmund decided enough was enough, and it was time to make that leap; to join the elite. And, the only way they could do this, of course, was by keeping their best players, starting with Jadon Sancho.
So, when Manchester United came with their millions, they were met with a resounding rejection. In the end, Sancho stayed, perhaps much to the shock of many. The old Dortmund would have welcomed the money before recycling it into the talent of the future who would also follow a similar trend.
This was a new Dortmund, however, who took a stubborn stance for the first time in an attempt to join the elite. And, now they may regret failing to cash in.
Dortmund May Regret Failing to Follow Transfer Trend With Sancho
Sancho Failing to Find Form
£108 million. That was the rumoured price demanded by Dortmund for a club to secure the services of their assist machine. 11 Bundesliga games, zero goals and three assists later, however, and that price has undoubtedly plummeted- potentially leaving the Germans far worse off than in the summer.
Much like Sancho’s price, Dortmund’s position in the Bundesliga standings has also plummeted, alongside their form- resulting in the sacking of Lucien Favre.
The fact is, offer those at Signal Iduna Park that £108 million for Sancho and chance to reinvest on the squad again, and they’ll probably take it to follow their aforementioned transfer trend.
They could have taken the money; they could have reinvested on what is an unreliable backline. Instead, the Germans went against a trend for the first time in what feels like forever.
Dortmund kept Sancho when in truth, they already had his replacement with the rise of Youssoufa Moukoko alongside the always-improving Giovanni Reyna.
Sancho Not the Only One Struggling at Dortmund
Of course, with bad form, the blame does not just lie with one player, but the team as a whole. And, in Dortmund’s case, it is the team, in its entirety, that is struggling.
The most recent game, which ended in defeat against Union Berlin, was further evidence of this struggle. Offensively, but for 16-year-old Moukoko’s record-breaking equaliser, they struggled- taking just three shots on target.
On the defensive front, they had similar struggles- falling to a disappointing 2-1 defeat. Fourth and six points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen having played a game extra, Dortmund must enjoy a change of fortunes soon if they want to be considered title hopefuls.
For now, however, it seems their struggles will continue as they search for a permanent replacement for Lucien Favre.
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