Top five players Borussia Dortmund should target in summer 2023

With significant departures this summer, there are some major transfers BVB need to make

Die Schwarzgelben will need to replace him with at least one midfielder in their never-ending effort to beat Bayern München at the top of the German league. Nobody can replace Bellingham one-for-one, but there are several compelling options around European football – and the Bundesliga – for Borussia Dortmund to target this summer.

5. Anthony Elanga, Manchester United (Right Wing)

The Sweden international, 21, after scoring his goal in the friendly is more tipped to leave United this summer after clocking only seven starts in 26 games this season. United have halved their asking price to £10m, preferring a permanent move away so cash can be brought in to facilitate arrivals. More outgoings are expected than arrivals as United try to navigate Financial Fair Play rules following last year’s £225m spend.

Forward who has appeared in 15 matches this season in Premier League, playing a total of 420 minutes and made just 1 assist. He however has the potential to be a great winger as seen in the previous seasons. He however has not seen the same minutes last season under Eric ten Hag and Dortmund would be the exact right place for him to provide growth and game time.

4. Khéphren Thuram, Nice (Central Midfielder)

The 22-year-old showed plenty of promise last season, but he has really broken through to become one of the best overall midfielders in Ligue 1 this season. For example, there is not a midfielder at PSG playing at a higher level than Thuram this season – not even long-time superstar Marco Verratti. Thuram has two goals, four assists, 1.4 dribbles completed per match, 1.1 key passes per game, and 2.6. combined tackles and interceptions per contest in the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season.

Khéphren Thuram will likely be priced higher than initial range of Dortmund, with Ligue 1 rivals PSG and clubs in the Premier League most likely ready to throw a bunch of money at the extremely talented young Frenchman. Out of all the players on this list, Thuram may be the most sure-fire to contribute at the top level, given his skill set.

3. Marcus Thuram, Borussia Monchengladbach (Forward)

Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram's contract with the Bundesliga outfit ended in the summer and the striker will not renew his deal. He is being monitored by several big clubs, such as Manchester United, Arsenal, & Chelsea, along with Serie A giants Juventus and Inter. He would be an exceptional buy for the Yellow and Balck side as he has the experience of Bundesliga along with great eye for scoring and creating goals for his team.

Thuram has scored 13 goals in 30 matches so far in the Bundesliga 2022-2023 season. 8 of the 13 goals were scored at home while he scored 5 goals at away games. Overall, Marcus Thuram's goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.46. Moreover, Marcus Thuram's total G/A (goals + assists) is 19 for this season. Looking into his passing aspect of the game, Thuram passes the ball roughly 19.55 times during a game with a pass completion rate of 75.14%. He also plays 1.04 key passes each game which leads to significant scoring chances.

2. Marco Friedl, Werder Bremen (Centre back/Left Back)

Dortmund would benefit as he can be a reliable option at the back as in previous seasons, he played left-back, left-midfield, and central defender. His versatility would be a welcome addition at BVB. At 25, he still has room to improve and could become more than a depth option down the road. Unlike most clubs, Bremen’s financial issues also means that Friedl’s acquisition wouldn’t be a really tough negotiation for them. Moreover, he's made 2.12 tackles and 1.79 interceptions for every 90 minutes he was on the pitch. Friedl is also racking up about 4.02 clearances at the same time.

1. Edson Álvarez, Ajax (Defensive Midfielder)

Since Rafael Guerreiro and Jude Bellingham have left the team this season and has left a big hole in the defense given his attacking and defensive attributes. The Mexican would be a great low-cost option to bring in to provide the flexibility and defense. Edson Álvarez is a hot name on the transfer market soon, as many Ajax players are. The 25-year-old has scored three goals with three assists in the Eredivisie this season, averaging a combined 3.5 tackles and interceptions per season. Multiple Bundesliga clubs, including Bayern, should be interested, and Álvarez may end up being the preferred option in the defensive midfield.

Looking into his passing aspect of the game, Alvarez Velazquez passes the ball roughly 82.45 times during a game with a pass completion rate of 86.95%. He also plays 0.98 key passes each game which leads to significant scoring chances. Velazquez has taken 52 shots in 31 matches so far in the Eredivisie 2022-2023 season. Of the 52 shots, 18 shots were on target and the other 34 shots were off target. That means that Alvarez Velazquez's shooting accuracy is 34.62%. He scores a goal for every 17.33 shots he takes and takes 1.82 shots per 90 minutes on the pitch.