Playing the Market: Who should Dortmund sell?

Already making a slew of new signings for next season, Borussia Dortmund is hardly done with acquiring stars from around the world. However, the more interesting outlook is who Dortmund will be selling this summer.

Many of BVB’s players have been linked with moves away from Germany, but which players should Dortmund really be selling? Let’s take a look at who should stay put, and who should be pawned off during the summer window.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Heavily linked with Manchester City, Aubameyang was Dortmund’s top scorer last season and has attracted the interest of many top clubs around Europe. The Gabonese international has proven he can play at the top level of competition, and teams are willing to pay upwards of 100 million euros for Aubameyang.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? Noooo...it’s a lot of money that could buy a lot of players, but Aubameyang would be tough to replace. Even replacing him in the aggregate by buying multiple strikers wouldn’t be the same. His speed in the middle fits the Dortmund system perfectly, and his departure would hurt more than 100 million euros could replace.

Adrian Ramos

Backup to Aubameyang, Ramos has captured the interest of Chinese club BJ Guoan. With a contract expiring in June 2018, Ramos is a valuable asset in Dortmund’s lineup. He is often looked to late in games as a super sub off the bench; a position at which he excels. Ramos is also an aerial threat that gives Dortmund a dynamic attacking look.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? Wait until next summer...There is no other backup striker to Adrian Ramos and his sale to China wouldn’t fetch a lot of money. He will either extend before his contract expires or refuse. At that point, Dortmund should sell Ramos so they don’t lose him on a free transfer.

Moritz Leitner

Little-used Leitner has failed to pan out since arriving in Dortmund. There is no real sign of development and with his contract expiring next summer, now is the time to sell him. With interest from Stade Rennes in France, Leitner would need to be either sold outright or given a contract extension in order to be loaned - a more desirable option.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? Loan him away...What if his development is spurred by extensive playing time. A loan deal to a club that might benefit from his services could give Leitner a chance to prove himself and prepare him for life as a starter. He could even evolve as a more versatile player.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

The Armenian is arguably Dortmund’s best winger and has shown what he can do consistently since joining BVB. A joy to watch, Mkhitaryan is a fan-favorite. But contractual tensions could cause the midfielder to leave over the course of the next year.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? Yes...you know the story. Read it here.

Julian Weigl

The 20-year-old German burst onto the scene following his switch from 1860 Munich. Weigl even earned an international call-up from Germany manager Joachim Low at the Euros. With interest from Paris-Saint Germain and Real Madrid, Weigl has no desire to leave Dortmund.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? No chance...he’s staying, end of story.

Christian Pulisic

Like his teammate Weigl, the 17-year-old Pulisic has been impressive on both the club and international levels in his breakout season. Showcasing speed and skill, Pulisic has been scouted by top clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? Haha, nope...this is laughable.

Neven Subotic

The Serbian center-back missed the final chunk of the season with arm thrombosis, Subotic failed to impress under BVB coach Thomas Tuchel and lost his place in the lineup. With interest from Premier League outlets Sunderland and Stoke City, Subotic’s uneasiness in Dortmund could lead to his departure.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? Probably, but not yet...Dortmund is too thin at center back to dispose of Subotic yet. Another summer signing, say Shkordran Mustafi, could change this mentality.

Sokratis Papastathopolous

The Greek center-back is one of Dortmund’s top defenders. Recently linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, Sokratis is definitely one of the top center-backs on the market this summer. But BVB has insisted he isn’t for sale.

SHOULD THEY SELL HIM? Nope...the thought of selling Sokratis is crazy, it’s speculative, and it’s not happening.