Club’s new model army of talent
BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S business model of buying young players and developing them into world-class talents sets them apart in Europe.
Dortmund have become the premier finishing school for the world’s best young players, with the current crop including Erling Haaland, Jadon
Sancho and Jude Bellingham.
Former graduates of the Dortmund school of excellence include Ilkay Gundogan, right, Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembele, all bought relatively cheaply and sold on for a significant profit.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Dortmund’s approach but added: “They spend a lot of money on young players and pay a lot to agents to take these players there.”
When Sancho left Manchester City in 2017, citing a lack of playing time, he opted to join Dortmund because they could offer him regular football.
The Dortmund model was born out of necessity after the club almost went bankrupt in 2005.
Jurgen Klopp’s appointment in 2008 heralded a revamping of the youth production line and a new trust in academy players.
It echoed Manchester United’s Class of ’92, when Sir Alex Ferguson put his faith in youngsters such as David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers.
Unlike United, Dortmund’s approach is geared towards selling players on for profit once their talent and ambition outgrow that of the club. It is why Haaland and Sancho are certain to leave, if not this summer then next.
They will be replaced by more young talent in what has become a revered business
practice.