The Daily Bee (April 17th, 2019): BVB reportedly agree deal with Nico Schulz

• BVB agree deal with Nico Schulz (Sport Bild)

According to Sport Bild Borussia Dortmund have agreed to a deal in principle with TSG Hoffenheim’s left back Nico Schulz. The German international still has a contract until 2021 but has a release clause in his contract between 25-30€ million that would allow BVB to sign him.

If Schulz actually has a release clause in his contract this could be a good deal for BVB who need reinforcements at left back. Schulz would give Favre a solid fullback who can play in a 4-man backline or play as a wing back in a 3-man backline system. This could give the black and yellows more tactical options next season. Schulz’ biggest strengths are his speed and his capabilities on offense while his defense has seemed suspect at times it has greatly improved under Julian Nagelsmann in Hoffenheim.

While Sport Bild claim BVB and Schulz have already agreed to terms and of a supposed release clause, kicker dismiss those claims. They admit that Schulz is one of the candidates but according to them Schulz does not have any clause in his contract. In addition kicker report that Filipe Luis is also still an option.

• Pulisic and Guerreiro back in training (kicker)

Christian Pulisic and Raphael Guerreiro returned to full team practice yesterday and will be available for Sunday’s game at Freiburg. This will give Lucien Favre some much needed options on offense for the rest of the season.

Marius Wolf who had to be subbed of against Mainz because he picked up a knock was also able to participate in training and will be ready to face Freiburg. Sadly Lukasz Piszczek will be out for at least two more weeks.

• Champions League

FC Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam have qualified for the semifinals of the Champions League. Barcelona had no trouble with Manchester United thanks largely to Lionel Messi who scored a brace to get the Catalan club on track early. Ajax’s victory over Juventus was a bit more surprising but the Dutch club celebrated a deserved win to go through to the next round.

Now both clubs await today’s results to see who their opponents are, Ajax will play the winner of Manchester Cits vs Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona will play either Liverpool or Porto.