Transfer Window Summary: Disappointed but Looking Ahead

Transfer Window Recap

Released:

Adnan Januzaj (end of loan) - Manchester United

Jonas Hofmann (€8Mil.) - Borussia Monchengladbach

Ciro Immobile (€11Mil. Loan) - Torino

Pascal Stenzel (loan) - SC Freiburg

Acquired:

Ciro Immobile (end of loan) - Sevilla

Felix Passlack (free) - Borussia Dortmund U-19

Christian Pulisic (free) - Borussia Dortmund U-19

The January transfer window can be summed up in one word for Borussia Dortmund: disappointing.

With so many players linked to Dortmund, the possibilities seemed bright. From Serbian starlets to a Ukrainian icon to a Turkish wonder, players from around the world looked certain to be making the switch to black and yellow.

But alas, it was all for not. Chairman Hanz-Joachim Watzke was conservative, and made no real groundbreaking moves in the winter window.

While no big names signed with Dortmund, one big issue was left exposed: Dortmund's horrifying lack of depth.

Jonas Hofmann looked like he was going to be a rising star, but was dealt to Gladbach with haste.

Adnan Januzaj, though thankfully off the Dortmund books, was someone who could have possibly made an impact. After his departure, Dortmund should have added someone similar to Januzaj at least on loan.

The Stenzel loan move doesn't have to much of an effect on the current situation, but his loan deal may be too long for him to ever make an impact at Signal Iduna Park.

Immobile never really came back, as his return to Torino likely means the end of the Italian's days with Dortmund. Although he failed to produce, a loan spell may have been just the answer. But clearly, Immobile doesn't want to wear the black and yellow ever again.

The one positive out of this disastrous transfer window is the profit of €19 Million Dortmund walked away with.

The two players Dortmund (technically) brought in are Felix Passlack and Christian Pulisic. While playing with the Baby Bees, the duo showed just what they are capable of doing with their talented and cheeky skill. For Pulisic, it meant debuting with the big club at 17.

But aside from all the failed deals and rumors that were negated, this window may have laid down some important foundations for summer.

With Neven Subotic, Adrian Ramos, and maybe Matthias Ginter all set to depart in summer, there will be some big shoes to fill at Dortmund.

Armindo Bruma has been strongly linked with a move to Dortmund in summer possibly to replace Ramos.

Havard Nordtveit could still switch to Dortmund if Subotic is to leave, giving the Norwegian a solid defensive role.

The two Serbians linked were Luka Jovic and Andrija Zivkovic. The latter was consistently linked to Dortmund throughout January, and it is very likely he could sign come June.

The chances of signing a player like Andriy Yarmolenko or Yunus Malli seem slim, as both have their sights set on the Premier League. However, if Tuchel is able to convince Malli to reunite with his former coach, then the Turkey international will be on his way to Dortmund.

Spanish stars Mikel Merino and Oliver Torres may also be making the move to Dortmund. The German club was close to signing Merino, but his current club Osasuna backed out at the last minute.

And as the window slowly shut, links with Hatem Ben Arfa began to surface. If Dortmund got a player like him, he could be an instrumental playmaker and help an already prolific scorer in Aubameyang get even more opportunities.

Some scary thoughts that remain untouched are the fates of Marco Reus, Mats Hummels, Henrikh Mkitaryan, Ilkay Gundogan, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. All four have been heavily linked with moves away from Germany and Dortmund, though keen to keep all of them, will be open to offers.

One word to describe the impending summer window: doubt. As in, I doubt all of Dortmund's core players will stick around or it is with great doubt that I say Dortmund will make a big splash this summer.

Although my outlook may be a tad pessimistic, it seems that there are signs of hope for Dortmund in the near future, and a few big names may soon be headed to Signal Iduna Park.