Borussia Dortmund remain interested in Hoffenheim striker Asllani and could revive their pursuit before the transfer window closes at 20:00 on 1 September, according to Bild.
The Kosovan forward is still on Dortmund’s transfer list despite the club’s previous business this summer and his failure to complete a medical examination at Leipzig. The German club’s interest has not diminished, with sporting director Burki continuing to hold Asllani in high regard.
Burki previously worked with Asllani at Ebersberg, where the pair enjoyed a successful spell together. That relationship is understood to be one of the reasons Dortmund remain attentive to the striker’s situation.
Dortmund’s management, led by sporting director Lars Ricken, also believe Asllani has considerable room to increase his value. He is currently valued at about 35m euros and is viewed in the medium term as a possible successor to star striker Guirassy.
One potential solution would be a move structured as a “loan with an obligatory purchase clause”. Such an arrangement would allow the transfer fee to be recorded in subsequent financial years. Leipzig had initially intended to complete the deal using a similar model before abandoning the move after Asllani underwent his medical examination.
Bild reports that Asllani would not be opposed to joining Borussia Dortmund, although Hoffenheim currently expect him to remain with the club for next season. His future, however, has not been settled.
Dortmund could also find themselves needing another striker sooner than expected. Substitute forward Fabio Silva is attracting strong interest from La Liga club Real Betis, and his departure would leave the German side requiring an immediate replacement.
The club’s need for attacking cover would become even more pressing if Guirassy were to suffer an injury during the new season or receive an offer from Saudi Arabia before the transfer window closes. In either case, Dortmund’s options in attack would be significantly reduced.
Asllani came close to joining Leipzig this summer, but the transfer was not completed following his medical. Juventus and several other clubs have also recently shown interest in the striker.
For now, Hoffenheim’s expectation is that Asllani will continue playing for them next season. However, with Dortmund still monitoring the situation and the deadline approaching, his next move remains undecided.
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