Dortmund in “advanced talks” over a move for Basel center back Manuel Akanji

It’s no secret that Borussia Dortmund have struggled to defend this season. Peter Bosz was sacked primarily because he proved to be simply unable to organize a coherent unit at the back.

Things have been better during Peter Stöger’s short time in charge, but BVB may still be looking to reinforce their defense during the January transfer window. According to this report from Ruhr Nachrichten, Dortmund are looking at FC Basel’s Manuel Akanji.

According to reports, the talks with the 22-year-old defender of FC Basel are already well advanced. Zorc has recently personally watched Akanji, whose contract in Basel runs until 2021, and also explored the chances of a winter change.

RN is one of the best sources for news about BVB. They’re reporting that the interest is already pretty far along, so this seems like a transfer that could actually happen this January.

Akanji is young but is already considered by many to be the best defender in the Swiss league. The 22-year-old has already made 41 appearances for Basel’s senior team since moving from Winterthur in 2015. He played in every Champions League group stage match this fall and was a big part of Basel qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition.

Akanji, who also has 4 caps for the Swiss national team, would give Dortmund another option on their back-line. Players like Marc Bartra and Sokratis have missed time here and there for injuries, and Neven Subotic isn’t the same player he used to be.

This signing would provide BVB with a player who has the potential to be one of the best defenders in Europe, but also with a player who would be able to come in and do a job when the second half of the season gets underway in January.