Wolves Set to Lose Another Star as Borussia Dortmund ‘Close in’ on Deal | OneFootball

Dortmund Eye Fabio Silva as Attacking Reinforcements Take Priority

As Borussia Dortmund ramp up their transfer activity late in the window, attention has turned sharply to Wolves forward Fabio Silva. According to Bild, Silva is “close to completing a move” to the Bundesliga side as they seek to finalise a trio of late signings.

While most headlines have focused on the pursuit of Chelsea duo Aaron Anselmino and Carney Chukwuemeka, it is Silva’s potential switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers that could prove to be the most telling. Bild report that Dortmund have “been interested in Silva for weeks”, and now appear to have beaten off competition from RB Leipzig and AS Roma to land their man.

BVB Seeking Reinforcements Before Deadline

With the transfer window closing on 1 September, Dortmund have shifted into high gear. Defensive issues and over-reliance on striker Serhou Guirassy are driving their urgency. As Niko Kovac explained ahead of Dortmund’s Bundesliga opener against St. Pauli: “We are glad to have him. I’ve said several times he is a kind of life insurance for us.”

However, even the most prolific forwards need support. Silva, aged 23, is seen as a backup option, yet Dortmund hope his impact will go beyond a mere substitute role. Bild wrote that Silva “is expected to invigorate the BVB attack”, a clear indication that they are looking for more than depth.

Silva’s Career Needs a Reboot

Since arriving at Wolves for a then club-record fee in 2020, Silva’s career has veered off course. Loan spells in Belgium and the Netherlands showcased glimpses of potential, but he has failed to nail down a starting role at Molineux. Dortmund, who have built a reputation for reviving young careers, could offer the Portuguese forward a welcome fresh start.

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RB Leipzig and AS Roma had previously shown interest but dropped out, giving BVB a clear path to Silva. It is likely the deal will be structured as a loan with an option to buy, mirroring Dortmund’s broader approach to transfers this summer amid limited resources and inflated prices.

Financial Prudence Key to Dortmund Strategy

The Anselmino deal is set to be a loan, while talks with Chelsea over a permanent Chukwuemeka deal are ongoing. Dortmund’s modest budget means such creative deals are becoming their go-to strategy.

Bild revealed that “a loan with option to buy is the most likely scenario due to the relatively modest financial means of the club and the inflated market values currently being asked.”

With Chukwuemeka already familiar to Dortmund after a successful loan stint last season, and Anselmino seen as an investment for the future, the focus shifts to Silva — whose career trajectory will be watched closely in both Germany and the West Midlands.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This potential move will raise eyebrows — and concerns. While Fabio Silva has not lived up to the hype or price tag at Molineux, the timing of his exit feels problematic.

Vitor Pereira has already lost Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri this summer, leaving the squad visibly thinner. With Newcastle heavily circling Jorgen Strand Larsen, Wolves are at real risk of a forward line collapse before the window shuts.

Silva may not have been the finished article, but letting him go — potentially on loan — during a summer of upheaval feels like an unnecessary gamble. Pereira will need replacements immediately if Wolves are to avoid a stuttering start to the Premier League season.

And let’s not forget, Silva still has room to grow. He’s only 23, technically gifted and already boasts top-flight experience across multiple leagues. Dortmund’s interest suggests there is still belief in his upside.

If he finds his stride at the Westfalenstadion, Wolves could be left reflecting on a misstep. This feels less like a strategic decision and more like surrendering on a long-term investment just as he may be about to turn a corner.