5 moves Borussia Dortmund need to make in January transfer window

There is clearly something wrong with Borussia Dortmund.

The past month has been riddled with inconsistencies for BVB. They have lost three of their last five Bundesliga games and Lucien Favre has been sacked and replaced by interim manager Edin Terzic – who, incidentally, has overseen a league win and loss well since his appointment.

Dortmund are currently in fifth place in the table, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich, and are struggling to beat sides they usually have no trouble overcoming.

Whether it is the lack of fans catching up with them, their main goalscorer being unavailable or having little sense of direction in last month’s games, something is wrong at BVB.

While the club’s hierarchy cannot stop a global pandemic and bring its famous fans back to Signal Iduna Park, they can correct some problems they are facing.

So what should they do?

The absence of Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland has shown that he is indispensable for Dortmund.

Although he was sidelined, Julian Brandt, Thorgan Hazard and Marco Reus were all pressured into playing the role – to no avail.

Since Terzic’s introduction to the bar, he has trusted 16-year-old prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko and signaled him to start both Bundesliga games during his reign – the teenager even became the youngest goalscorer in the world. history of the league.

While there is no doubt about his talent and potential, Dortmund seem to need more options than just Moukoko when bringing in someone other than Haaland. After all, the Norwegian’s boots are not easy to fill.

Defensive issues have been a hallmark of Dortmund’s season so far and, if they are to change their inconsistent habits, one of the first things to do is to sort out the terrible focus gaps we’ve come to expect.

Although Mats Hummels is a proven leader and advocate, he has not been able to inspire his colleagues to follow his example.

Dortmund have conceded unnecessary goals in recent weeks which have increased the pressure. Most notably, in their 5-1 hit by Stuttgart – Favre’s last game at the helm – and the 2-1 loss to Union Berlin, defensive errors allowed the opponent to come in and take over. advance.

Another experienced center-back could be the key to knocking out a low-quality, nonchalant defense for the rest of the season.

Will he? Won the? Whatever the answer, Dortmund must find the result in January – once and for all.

Speculation never does a player any good and it is no different for Sancho. Since the close ties with Manchester United this summer, the Englishman’s form has mostly disappeared.

While a key player for Dortmund last season with 17 goals and 17 assists in the Bundesliga, the winger has only made three league assists this season, without scoring.

Speculation on its future remains and its form suffers. In recent weeks, the winger has offered very little on the pitch and has struggled to make his mark, which is obviously having an impact on the team as a whole.

It’s time to end the saga while the transfer window is open.

Although the club have names like Hummels, Reus and Axel Witsel in their books, it is undeniable that there is very little age balance in the squad.

In the two league games overseen by Terzic so far, BVB have boasted of rosters with an average age of 24 and 26 – helped considerably by the aforementioned trio.

While youthful exuberance does not fail to provide a mercurial element to BVB games, it would be a wise move to bring experience to the squad and potentially the starting XI.

Their younger starters appear to lack the courage and steel that would help them see and stay in games – something that experience can bring.

Uncertainty is never ideal and Dortmund will seek to resolve the managerial situation at the club as soon as possible.

Given the youth and experience currently on the team, it is essential that someone with a winning mindset and a proven track record takes the helm at Signal Iduna Park.

Lucien Favre came to Dortmund with all of his previous success in Switzerland, and then left the club after winning the DFL Supercopa in just two and a half years – not good enough.

For a team like BVB, turning to renowned coaches who have made a name for themselves in the big leagues is a safer bet to get their season back on track and succeed.