Tom Rothe will play for Union Berlin in future. With the 19-year-old left-back, the Köpenickers are preparing for a possible departure. Dortmund, on the other hand, are opening up a position on the wing that was already thought to be closed
With promotion to the Bundesliga in his pocket, Tom Rothe returned to Borussia Dortmund after an extremely successful one-year loan spell at Holstein Kiel. The prospects at the Champions League finalists did not look rosy for the now 19-year-old left-back, who joined from FC St. Pauli in the summer of 2021 and once caused a sensation on his Bundesliga debut, scoring a goal.
Rothe has now drawn the conclusion from the lack of prospects at BVB and joined league rivals Union Berlin. “After his years with us at the youth training center, Tom recently gained important experience in men’s soccer in Kiel. Now he must and wants to take the next step in the Bundesliga by getting as much playing time as possible,” said sporting director Sebastian Kehl, explaining the decision to let Rothe go.
According to reports, the Köpenickers are paying a transfer fee of five million euros to Dortmund, who have secured a buy-back option in return. The Berliners have not disclosed the length of the contract. “Tom impressively demonstrated his strengths and potential during his loan spell at Holstein Kiel last year,” said Union managing director Horst Heldt, adding: “In addition to his defensive skills, he also impresses in attacking play. His qualities have not only caught our eye, so we are very proud that Tom has chosen 1. FC Union Berlin. “
Union’s system of play was the deciding factor
According to Rothe, Union’s “unique club culture, which I can fully identify with” and his new club’s preferred system of play tipped the scales in favor of the Irons: “The coach often prefers a five-man backline, which I already know from my time in Kiel and which I also feel very comfortable with. “
Union are preparing for the possible departure of Robin Gosens by signing Rothe, who played a key role in Kiel’s first promotion in 33 appearances. The 20-time international is toying with a return to Italy after a mixed year with the Iron, but has yet to receive a suitable offer
BVB needs alternatives
In Dortmund, on the other hand, Rothe’s departure has once again created a gap on the flanks. After BVB responded to the departure of loan player Ian Maatsen and the end of Marius Wolf’s contract by signing Yan Couto, the Brazilian, Ramy Bensebaini and ex-Union player Julian Ryerson are once again the only three nominal full-backs available. The management team will now once again have to look for alternatives on the transfer market
