Borussia Dortmund have confirmed Dan-Axel Zagadou’s exit after Premier League duo West Ham United and Newcastle showed an interest in the former PSG youngster, via BuliNews.
While sporting director Sebastien Kehl confirms that Switzerland international Manuel Akanji has turned down the chance to extend his contract at Signal Iduna Park, the Bundesliga giants are bidding farewell to another central defender.
22-year-old Zagadou moved to Germany from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017. But, like Akanji, he’s struggled to live up to early expectations, his potential plateauing in yellow-and-black.
“Daxo was with us for a very long time. He is a great person and a great footballer. We wish him all the best,” says Kehl, confirming that BVB have opted against offering the injury-prone centre-half a contract extension.
Dan-Axel Zagadou leaving Borussia Dortmund
There is plenty of time on Zagadou’s side, of course, and the former France U21 international will not be short of offers with a whole host of Premier League clubs in the market for defensive reinforcements.
L’Equipe reported a couple of months ago that West Ham are interested. Newcastle too, while Manchester United have already held talks with Zagadou’s representatives, via Fussball Transfers.
The Paris-born youngster was reluctant to give too much away when asked about his future, though he did admit that a ‘return to Ligue 1’ is something he would consider.
“I don’t necessarily have a preference. I think my choice will be important for the rest of my career. For me, the most important thing is to play,” says Zagadou, prioritising a club that could offer regular first-team football.
“I will see with my entourage and my agents what offers are on the table, and then we’ll make a decision together. A return to Ligue 1? Of course. I left to go abroad very young, so it would be good for me to go back to France.
“I’m not putting up any barriers to a return.”
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Dortmund have offset the departures of Zagadou and Akanji by bringing in Germany internationals Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck from Bayern Munich and Freiburg respectively.
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