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Dortmund set for mass exodus

By John Hazzard

Dortmund's Greece defender Sokratis reacts during during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) final football match Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund at the Olympic stadium in Berlin on May 21, 2016. / AFP / CHRISTOF STACHE / RESTRICTIONS: ACCORDING TO DFB RULES IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO IS NOT ALLOWED DURING MATCH TIME. MOBILE (MMS) USE IS NOT ALLOWED DURING AND FOR FURTHER TWO HOURS AFTER THE MATCH. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DFB DIRECTLY AT 49 69 67880 / (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images)
Dortmund's Greece defender Sokratis reacts during during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) final football match Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund at the Olympic stadium in Berlin on May 21, 2016. / AFP / CHRISTOF STACHE / RESTRICTIONS: ACCORDING TO DFB RULES IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO IS NOT ALLOWED DURING MATCH TIME. MOBILE (MMS) USE IS NOT ALLOWED DURING AND FOR FURTHER TWO HOURS AFTER THE MATCH. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DFB DIRECTLY AT 49 69 67880 / (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images) /
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With Thomas Tuchel’s first season as Borussia Dortmund’s head coach coming to an end, the 42-year-old is preparing for the exit of a number of his star players.

Ever since the departure of Bundesliga stars Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, Borussia Dortmund has always suffered from end-of-the-year transfers.

No matter how much success the club underwent during the season, Dortmund’s key players always seem to leave, and this summer isn’t any different.

The disappointment began with star German national team center back Matt Hummels transferring over to arch-rivals Bayern Munich on a five-year contract. News of Hummels leaving Dortmund had lingered around the press for well over a year, but the harsh switch to Bayern left a tough pill to swallow for the Black and Yellows’ fans.

Furthermore, the European press continues to report on other pivotal players leaving Dortmund.

Most recently, reports have suggested that Armenian winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan is refusing to resign with the Bundesliga side. Reports from the Mirror suggests that Arsenal is leaders to sign 27-year-old. Mkhitaryan has been with Dortmund since 2013, appearing in 88 matches, scoring 23 goals.

BERLIN, GERMANY – APRIL 20: Ilkay Gündogan of Dortmund is challenged by Niklas Stark of Berlin during the DFB Cup semi final match between Hertha BSC Berlin and Borussia Dortmund at the Olympic stadium on April 20, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – APRIL 20: Ilkay Gündogan of Dortmund is challenged by Niklas Stark of Berlin during the DFB Cup semi final match between Hertha BSC Berlin and Borussia Dortmund at the Olympic stadium on April 20, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

In addition, ever since word broke out that Pep Guardiola would be joining Manchester City next season, it has been rumored that ex-Bayern Munich coach is looking to sign Borussia’s star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

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A report by the Mirror believes that the estimated fee is around £20 million. The 25-year-old wasn’t a huge part of Tuchel’s side this season due to injury, nonetheless, the loss of the German international would leave a huge whole in Dortmund’s midfield.

Joining Mkhitaryan and Gundogan is 27-year-old defender Neven Subotic. It is believed that the English Premier League side Sunderland AFC is looking to bolster their defence and the Serbian is rumored to be Sam Allardyce’s top target. According to the Sunderland Echo, Subotic and Dortmund are set to have talks this week in order to figure out the 27-year-old’s future plans.

Last, report this week involves star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Gabon head coach Jorge Costa spoke to the Metro on Saturday saying that he wouldn’t join the national team because Aubameyang “is changing clubs.” The pacey striker has been linked with a number of Europe’s top clubs including Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

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