Borussia Dortmund are a team who rarely put a foot wrong in the transfer market, with BVB making several astute signings in recent years. The Signal Iduna Park outfit are now on the verge of pulling off another masterstroke with the signing of Thomas Meunier from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Belgian right-back’s contract is due to expire this summer and despite PSG’s best efforts, Meunier has rejected any advances for a short-term deal, meaning he and Edinson Cavani will play no role in the Parisians’ Champions League campaign later this season.
Thomas Meunier turns down short-term renewal with PSG
Due to the coronavirus-enforced break, many teams have made short-term deals with their players, who were initially supposed to become free-agents this summer. PSG wanted to do the same with Thomas Meunier, who reportedly rejected the French giants’ advances.
After the Ligue 1 season was cancelled earlier this year, the Parc des Princes outfit were awarded the league title based on points per game method.
The whole PSG squad reported for training on Monday, to begin preparations for the French Cup and also the Champions League, which is due to be held in August.
The Ligue 1 champions have already qualified to the quarter-finals after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16 tie in March.
Thomas Meunier attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund seem to have seen enough of Thomas Meunier over the two legs, and are ready to snap up the Belgian international on a free transfer.
Just a couple of hours after reports emerged that the full-back won’t play any part in PSG’s Champions League campaign, he seems to have found a new home at the Signal Iduna Park as per reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.
BVB are facing uncertainty over the long-term future of Achraf Hakimi, who has excelled during his two-year loan deal from Real Madrid.
They are eager to extend the Moroccan’s stay in Germany for at least one more season, but Hakimi remains adamant over a return to his parent club. As a consequence, Dortmund have moved quickly to secure a replacement.
Why Thomas Meunier is a perfect fit for Dortmund
Under Lucien Favre, the Black and Yellows play a variation of the 3-4-3 formation, with three centre-backs, and two wing-backs, who provide width to the attacking players. On the left-hand side, Raphael Guerreiro has been a mainstay.
On the opposite flank, Achraf Hakimi has matured into a lethal marauding full-back. Although his future at the club is still under doubt, the signing of Meunier, that too on a free-transfer, is too good a chance to turn down.
The 28-year-old has had his fair share of highs and lows – from scoring against Real Madrid in the group stage of Champions League to liking a picture of an Olympique de Marseille tifo, which angered PSG supporters – his stint at the Parc des Princes has provided plenty of talking points.
Now, Thomas Meunier seems to be ready for a new challenge. Given his age and playing profile, the Belgian would bring plenty of experience to an otherwise youthful Dortmund side. He possesses winning mentality too, having won nine trophies in his career with Paris Saint-Germain.
The verdict
By virtue of their playing style, Dortmund require their wing-backs to contribute in both attack and defence, and it’s a role that Thomas Meunier can easily adapt to.
He can be a leader within the dressing room, having achieved so much in his career. Keeping the sporting aspects of this deal aside, the fact that Favre’s men can get their hands on a player who is entering his peak years, on a free transfer, makes this no-brainer.