Karl-Heinz Rummenigge criticises Borussia Dortmund’s transfer policy

With the winter break fast approaching, Borussia Dortmund look to be all but out of the race for the Meisterschale. Sitting in fifth place, BvB are ten points behind Bayer Leverkusen in top spot, and with their early season woes failing to disappear, nothing looks like changing.

However, this is nothing new for Die Schwarzgelben. Despite coming close to dethroning Bayern Munich on a number of occasions since their last league triumph in the 2011/12 season, Dortmund have failed in their quest for Bundesliga supremacy.

Nevertheless, when speaking to Funke Mediengruppe on Wednesday, former Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge hinted at why BvB have failed to topple Der Rekordmeister. The 66-year-old commented:

“There was a youth craze in German football. Far too many transfers were made in order to create a business model in which the players would later be sold for a profit. Also here in Dortmund. And then a Sancho goes to Manchester United, a Haaland goes to Manchester City, a Bellingham goes to Real. But that wasn’t just a loss for Dortmund; the entire Bundesliga loses attractions.”

While Rummenigge remarked that the Bundesliga often loses its star players, the overall point can be considered a swipe at Dortmund and their transfer policy. Rather than build upon the star players they have been able to establish, they have sold them on to the detriment of the club and potential success.

Leverkusen can be seen cruising at the top of the Bundesliga table due to smart transfers; however, their success can also be associated with their ability to hold on to stars such as Edmond Tapsoba and Florian Wirtz. Whether Dortmund will eventually reap the success of their transfer policy is yet to be seen, but if Die Werkself are to lift silverware at the end of the campaign, BvB may be forced to learn from their mistakes.

GGFN | Will Shopland