Surprising twist: BVB sale candidate gets another chance | OneFootball

After his loan spell, the future of a BVB talent no longer seemed to lie in Dortmund. Now, the 20-year-old is surprisingly getting a new chance – in an unfamiliar position.

Recently, many signs had pointed to Kjell Wätjen leaving. The 20-year-old was considered a sale candidate at Borussia Dortmund after spending last season on loan at VfL Bochum. However, the situation could now change unexpectedly. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Wätjen is set to get the opportunity during pre-season to prove he deserves to stay at BVB.

The report says the midfielder has an important supporter in coach Niko Kovac. According to the report, Kovac particularly values Wätjen’s style of play, his high work rate, and his strong running numbers. This would mark a notable development for Wätjen. At the beginning of June, reports had still suggested that the Germany U20 international had no short-term future in Dortmund. Although he is appreciated internally both for his sporting qualities and his character, the competition in central midfield simply seemed too strong.

This is exactly where the club’s new plan now apparently comes in. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Wätjen is set to be tested in the future as a right wing-back. On his natural position in central midfield, his chances of playing are limited, but on the right flank a new perspective could open up.

BVB gives Kjell Wätjen another chance after all

The background: Julian Ryerson is the established starter on the right, but backup Yan Couto is on the verge of a move to Italian top-flight club Como. For the Gevelsberg native, it would be the next exciting step in his still-young career. He has already been wearing the BVB shirt for eleven years.

Photo: IMAGO

In the 2023/24 season, he made the jump to the first team, made four Bundesliga appearances, was added to the Champions League squad, and shortly after his final school exams was even included in the squad for the Champions League final. Most recently, Wätjen gained valuable match practice at VfL Bochum. In the season just ended, he made 26 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, but was unable to secure a regular starting spot.

What is also clear, however, is that this new chance in Dortmund is no free pass. If the experiment on the right does not work out and Wätjen fails to convince those in charge, a sale is likely to become an issue again. According to information from Ruhr Nachrichten, BVB would be open to talks for a transfer fee of around five million euros.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.