What are the people from Gladbach doing with the millions from selling Granit Xhaka? Photo: Guido Kirchner
(Photo: dpa)
There is a need for action, especially on the defensive. In addition to Xhaka, Martin Stranzl With around 43 million euros for the captain sold to Arsenal, more than 20 million euros in profit from the 2015 financial year and the prospect of income from international business, Max Eberl has collected a lot of money to strengthen the squad.
“Now, with the transfer fee we have achieved, we have the opportunity to make further meaningful additions to our team,” explained Borussia’s sporting director. However, about 15 percent of the Xhaka proceeds go to the FC Basel training club.
There is a need for action, especially on the defensive. In addition to Xhaka, Martin Stranzl (end of career), Roel Brouwers (Roda Kerkrade), Havard Nordtveit (West Ham United) and Martin Hinteregger, on loan from RB Salzburg, and striker Branimir Hrgota have also left the club.
With Tobias Strobl (1899 Hoffenheim/free transfer) a new signing is already perfect, Bremen’s Jannik Vestergaard could be next. There have already been talks with the Werder management, but the decision on the sale of the Danish international has not yet been made on the Weser. Gladbach would have to pay a two-digit million amount for the central defender.
The most important person, however, is Xhaka’s successor in defensive midfield. Eberl had always stated that the Swiss could not be replaced “1:1”. It is therefore conceivable that the club is looking for an experienced and a young, talented player for this position.
Candidates are former Borussia player Christoph Kramer, who hasn’t gotten along so well in Leverkusen so far. A double-digit million amount would certainly also be due for him. “We also had our ideas about the transfer fee, because we need financial resources to sign good replacements,” said Eberl.
Sebastian Rode and Pierre-Emile Hjöbjerg, who are still under contract with FC Bayern Munich until 2018, could be a little cheaper. In the case of Rode, however, the competition is fierce. According to information from the specialist magazine “kicker”, Gladbach is also keeping an eye on the two 18-year-old youth players Edimilson Fernandes (FC Sion) and Mamadou Doucouré (Paris St. Germain) as well as Youri Tielemans from RSC Anderlecht (20).
However, other Gladbach players have also aroused the interest of the competition. The young Mo Dahoud, goalkeeper Yann Sommer or Andreas Christensen, who is on loan from Chelsea, are in focus, but should not be given up in principle.
Regardless of all personnel decisions, the club continues to invest in infrastructure. The largest project at the stadium should be completed by 2018: a new building complex with a hotel, club museum, fan shop and rehabilitation center. This summer, a large beer garden will be created behind the fan curve.
Xhaka interview on borussia.de
