Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has suggested that ‘something could still happen’ when asked about possible striker departures this summer, as Atletico Madrid prepare to battle Milan for the signature of Germany international Niclas Füllkrug.
Füllkrug, who impressed up front for Germany at EURO 2024, is widely tipped to leave Dortmund this summer, despite having a contract which runs until the summer of 2026.
The Bundesliga giants have just signed Stuttgart sensation Serhou Guirassy, who had also been linked with a move to Milan at various stages of the 2023-24 season.
Guirassy’s arrival means that Dortmund currently have four senior strikers on their books, which director Kehl feels is probably one too many.
What Kehl said about Füllkrug and Dortmund attacking situation
“Last year we had three strikers. Something could still happen in this position. We are aware that it is not ideal to start the season with four strikers,” Kehl said from Dortmund’s pre-season tour in Thailand, reported via Calciomercato.com.
“I certainly spoke to Niclas, even before we signed Serhou (Guirassy). I find that all the lads are very ambitious in these discussions. It’s about the club’s goals and the competitive situation is also part of it. In the end, improving will help us all.”
Though Milan have recently announced the signing of Spain captain Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid, they are also pushing to add one more striker to Paulo Fonseca’s squad ahead of the 2024-25 season, having recently bid farewell to Olivier Giroud.
Füllkrug has been suggested as the ideal candidate for the role.
Coincidentally, Atleti are also interested in a deal for Füllkrug as a replacement for Morata.
Calciomercato and German outlet Bild suggest that Atletico are now prepared to table an offer of around €30m for the 31-year-old, which could make life difficult for the Rossoneri.
#Milan, l'Atletico spinge per Fullkrug. Ds Dortmund: "Qualcosa può succedere in attacco" https://t.co/HHBFBd5c7A
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) July 21, 2024
30m for an old bench warmer? Are Milan and Atletico run by bunch of i***t?