On Friday morning, Borussia Dortmund left Germany for St. Gallen-Alternhein in Switzerland. Upon the club’s announcement, they listed the players which will travel to the training camp. What surprised many was the inclusion of Nico Schulz and Manuel Akanji. The pair have both been linked with moves away from Dortmund this summer with the club willing to let them leave.
At BVB’s training camp, head coach Edin Terzić wants to prepare with his regular team which includes Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of Akanji – should a transfer not materialise, BVB don’t particularly want a player of Akanji’s stature being dissatisfied in the stands due to lack of playing time.
With Schulz, it was reported that he would not be travelling to Switzerland so him being on the plane is a shock. Borussia Dortmund would not put any obstacles in the way of the 29-year-old leaving the club and it’s long been known that BVB have interest in Hoffenheim left-back David Raum, but they must first sell one of Raphaël Guerreiro or Schulz.
Speaking after Monday’s public training session, Terzić told reporters that players had been “openly and honestly talked about their situation and perspective.” This includes Schulz, who has two years remaining on his current deal: “Nico also knows his situation.”
The fact that both Akanji and Schultz are at the camp may indicate that the club has yet to receive any bids for the players. Should a transfer not occur, it would be in BVB and the players’ interest to remain fit.
GGFN