WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND REJECTED BEN CHILWELL AS THE FULL-BACK SOUGHT TO EXIT CHELSEA AFTER BEING SIDELINED BY ENZO MARESCA
Ben Chilwell, once a stalwart in Chelsea's defense, faced an unexpected crossroads during his tenure at Stamford Bridge. After injuries and a dip in form saw him lose his starting spot, he sought a fresh start. Borussia Dortmund, a club known for revitalizing the careers of players needing a second chance, seemed like a perfect destination. However, despite the initial interest, the German giants decided to pass on the opportunity to sign the England international.
Chilwell’s Struggles at Chelsea
Chilwell joined Chelsea in 2020 with much fanfare following his successful spell at Leicester City. A crucial part of Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League-winning squad under Thomas Tuchel, he looked set to be the Blues' first-choice left-back for years to come. However, injuries severely hampered his progress, particularly a significant knee injury that kept him out for most of the 2021-22 season.
Upon his return, Chilwell found himself fighting for a place in the squad under new management. Despite his best efforts, Chelsea’s tactical reshuffle and the emergence of new options meant his role became less certain. When Enzo Maresca, known for his preference for more attack-minded and versatile full-backs, took over as assistant coach, Chilwell found himself increasingly sidelined.
Seeking a New Start: Borussia Dortmund Interest
With his playing time reduced, Chilwell and his representatives began exploring options for a move away from West London. Borussia Dortmund emerged as a potential suitor. The Bundesliga outfit had a reputation for giving talented but out-of-form players a chance to reignite their careers, and Chilwell’s attacking prowess from full-back seemed like a fit for their dynamic style of play.
However, despite his obvious talent, Dortmund decided to pass on the opportunity. The club’s management, led by sporting director Sebastian Kehl, reportedly had reservations about Chilwell’s injury record. While Dortmund has taken chances on injury-prone players in the past, the financial commitment for an English player in his prime, coupled with potential medical risks, proved too high.
Additionally, Dortmund was also in the process of nurturing young full-back prospects, and bringing in an experienced, high-profile player like Chilwell could have disrupted their development plans. The club was looking to build for the future and felt that their current options, including Raphael Guerreiro and Tom Rothe, were sufficient to meet their tactical needs.
Tactical Fit and Financial Constraints
Dortmund’s decision wasn’t just influenced by Chilwell’s injury history. The club also analyzed how he would fit into their system. Under Edin Terzić, Dortmund employed a high-energy, pressing style that relied heavily on wing-backs being both defensively sound and capable of contributing to attacks. While Chilwell has excelled going forward, his defensive abilities, especially post-injury, were scrutinized.
Moreover, financial considerations played a key role. Dortmund had been cautious in the transfer market following big-money sales like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham. The club prioritized value-for-money signings and younger players who fit their long-term project. Chilwell, at 27, would not come cheap in terms of transfer fees and wages. Chelsea’s asking price, combined with Chilwell’s Premier League salary demands, reportedly made the deal too expensive for a club like Dortmund, which typically operates under tighter financial constraints compared to English clubs.
Chilwell’s Future Uncertain
As Borussia Dortmund walked away from negotiations, Chilwell’s future remains in limbo. Chelsea, though open to offers, have not rushed to offload the full-back, recognizing that he still has the potential to regain form and contribute. For Chilwell, the challenge now is to prove himself once again at Chelsea or find a club willing to invest in his abilities and overlook the setbacks he has endured.
In a transfer market where quality full-backs are always in demand, it seems likely that Chilwell will have other opportunities. However, the Dortmund rejection highlights the difficulties he faces in convincing top European clubs that he can recapture his best form and avoid future injury problems.
Conclusion
Borussia Dortmund’s rejection of Ben Chilwell was a decision rooted in caution. While the English full-back undoubtedly has the talent and experience to excel at the highest level, a combination of injury concerns, tactical fit, and financial limitations led the German club to look elsewhere. Chilwell, however, remains a player with a point to prove, and his journey is far from over. Whether at Chelsea or a new club, he will be determined to show that he still belongs among Europe’s elite full-backs.
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