Fabio Silva's departure could reignite interest in this Hoffenheim star
Hoffenheim star Fisnik Asllani was closely courted by Borussia Dortmund this summer. A versatile forward boasting a formidable attacking skillset, the Kosovan international had emerged as a viable backup option to Serhou Guirassy, or a replacement if the Guinean left. But a formal move didn't transpire as his release clause expired.
RB Leipzig then swooped in and almost priced him away as a €25 million deal with Hoffenheim had been reached too. However, the transfer collapsed at the final hurdle due to medical concerns raised by the Red Bulls, which led to Asllani staying put with Die Kraichgauer.
He may yet seek new pastures this summer, as reports suggest Dortmund may come back for him if Fabio Silva leaves before the end of the transfer window, which is set to shut on Monday, 31 August, for a loan with the option to buy permanently.
Despite impressing in the pre-season and then scoring against Bayern Munich in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup defeat, Silva's future at Signal Iduna Park faces uncertainty. Head coach Niko Kovac starting Guirassy upfront showed that the Guinean remains his preferred choice of striker, leaving the former with the prospect of playing second-fiddle to him once again this season.
Signed on a €22.5 million transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Silva started only seven league games last season from his 28 appearances. He scored just twice but teed up six more to demonstrate the creative side of his play, although it wasn't enough to usurp Guirassy as their preferred No.9.
The Portuguese forward was an integral part of their preseason squad this summer, featuring in all six friendly games and clocking 268 minutes in total. He also popped up with the winning goal in their 1-0 win over FC Tokyo on 1 August before delivering another fine display against Arsenal in the Emirates Cup.
On Saturday, he showed what an effective player he can be off the bench with a goal against Bayern in the 75th minute after replacing the ineffective Guirassy. But the problem lies in his consistency. The player struggled with it last season and questions still remain now heading into their new campaign.
For a club that has ambitions of competing seriously on all fronts, having a consistent goalscorer is imperative. Guirassy fits the bill perfectly after knocking 60 goals across two seasons with the club. Silva, invariably, doesn't stand a chance right now.
He did speak of assuming greater responsibility with the club after the Supercup defeat, but it remains to be seen if he's ready to fight for it, or seeks greener pastures elsewhere. If a transfer does come to pass, Asllani will be back in the radar again. The forward scored 10 goals and made nine assists with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last season.
