Ex-BVB talent Nnamdi Collins: An international for a bargain price | OneFootball

Rarely have wishes come true as they did for Nnamdi Collins. “We wish him all the very best for his future,” said BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl (45) at the farewell of the then 19-year-old top talent in August 2023. At Eintracht Frankfurt, the defender matured into a national team player.

Collins wore the Borussia Dortmund jersey for seven years. In 2022, he celebrated winning the German U19 Championship with the Ruhr club’s youth team. The following year, he led the team as captain all the way to the final. The Düsseldorf native made eight appearances for the U23s in the 3rd division. However, he was unable to make the leap to the senior squad in Westphalia.

“Nnamdi approached us with a strong desire to change clubs this summer,” explained Kehl regarding the decision to let Collins go. The defender moved to Eintracht Frankfurt, although he also had an offer from AS Roma. At the time, star coach José Mourinho (62) was still giving instructions from the sidelines for the Giallorossi.

“I was aware of what kind of person Mourinho is and what he has achieved as a coach. It was the first time in my career that I sat across from a coach who has accomplished so much. That was a great honor for me,” Collins said in an interview with Absolut Fussball in December 2024.

Enormous Increase in Value

But Frankfurt prevailed over Roma, having the “more convincing plan,” revealed the 21-year-old, adding: “It was also very important to me to stay in Germany and establish myself here.” The decision has paid off for Collins, as he is on the verge of making his debut for the German national team. According to the portal transfermarkt.de, his market value has risen to ten million euros.

When the Hessians pried Collins away from Dortmund, they didn’t have to put nearly as much money on the table. According to Absolut Fussball, SGE paid a base fee of 400,000 euros. Due to bonus payments, the sum increased to 700,000 euros. Considering the performances of the former Borussia player, a bargain price. Especially since BVB holds neither a resale participation nor a buyback option.

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