"Dortmund would not be averse": are two Borussia Dortmund new signings from last summer already looking to get away again?
In the current transfer window, Borussia Dortmund have strengthened with several new names. There could still be movement on the departures side as well.
According to a report by Sky, two names stand out among those who could look for a new club if a suitable offer arrives: forward Fabio Silva and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.
Both joined the Black and Yellows only last summer for similar fees of around €20 million, but neither fully convinced in a debut season in a Dortmund shirt.
The Portuguese striker found life difficult in attack and mostly had to settle for a backup role behind first-choice Serhou Guirassy. The Austria-born player, meanwhile, struggled with a number of minor injuries that repeatedly set him back in the battle for places in central midfield.
Sky say the club would not stand in either player's way if an interested side are willing to pay. In Silva's case, "Dortmund would not be averse if an offer in the region of €20 million were to come in", while a similarly high fee would also likely satisfy the BVB bosses in Chukwuemeka's case.
Which rivals do Fabio Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka have at BVB?
Next season looks likely to be just as tough for both, at least in terms of playing time. In attack, BVB have strengthened significantly with Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias, while Guirassy also remains under contract in Dortmund despite links with a move away at times.
As for central midfield, international Felix Nmecha and Jude Bellingham, who has impressed strongly in pre-season, are initially seen as first choice, while Joey Veerman has arrived from PSV Eindhoven as another option in the position.
Is Fabio Silva heading to Spain to join Real Betis?
Silva's situation appears further along, with initial concrete interest already said to be there. According to Bild, citing Seville-based Spanish TV channel 101TV, a delegation from Real Betis travelled to Dortmund at the start of the week to push for a move for the Portuguese striker to Spain.
The club officials around Ramon Alarcon Rubiales and Alvaro Ladron have reportedly identified the 24-year-old as their "number one transfer target". However, they would prefer a loan deal with a subsequent option to buy, which would become an obligation to buy if certain sporting targets are met. Real Sociedad are also said to have taken an interest in the one-cap Portugal international.
Behind the scenes, Silva is said to have made it clear during pre-season that he wants to face the competition at BVB and establish himself. His contract in Dortmund runs until 2030. If he does decide he wants to leave after all, BVB would have to be active in the transfer market once again.
