BERLIN, June 14 -- Borussia Dortmund is intensifying its attempts to outpace Bayern Munich.
A spectacular new arrival is said to be announced shortly following the transfers of the German internationals Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen) and Nico Schulz (TSG Hoffenheim) and Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Moenchengladbach).
The usually well-informed tabloid Bild and the sports-magazine Sport-Bild have reported about the return of former German international Mats Hummels. The 30-year-old is most likely returning to Dortmund after three years with Bayern, the reports say.
If Hummels is departing, Bayern will lose its second experienced defender as Jerome Boateng is expected to leave due to the trouble with the club's leaders and having lost his place in the starting eleven.
Despite the 2017 World Champions contract with the Bavarian side, the Blacks and Yellows are assumed to pay 15 to 20 million euro to sign their former squad member (2008 to 2016/309 games).
Bayern coach Nico Kovac has already agreed on the deal, the media quoted a source from inside the club as saying.
The 70 times capped Hummels was raised by Bayern before he left for Dortmund after three years in the shirt of Bayern's reserve team in 2008. He won the German national title in 2011 and 2017 and the German Cup (2017) as the core of the Dortmund defense.
The deal would make everyone happy, Bild commented as Hummels would avoid being only number three or four in Bayern's defense behind Niklas Suele, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard.
Hummels, the paper continues, would deliver the needed the know-how when it comes to winning titles and is going to solve Dortmund's defense problem. The 44 conceived goals in 34 games in the past season tell the story. On top, Hummels undoubtedly has enormous leadership qualities.
Bayern won the title after making up a nine-point-gap due to a far more solid defense (32 goals). Hummels though was an essential reason for the Bavarians to win the title. Originally Suele and Boateng were coach Kovac's first choice for his central defense. In the season's second part, Hummels fought his way back into the starting eleven driving out Boateng.
Media reports assume Bayern could be happy if Hummels is leaving as a possible source of trouble is excluded. Last season Hummels several times demanded to be part of the first eleven and said, if things don't change, he is considering to leave.
For several weeks, Dortmund's officials have been talking about the necessity to sign an experienced defender able to lead the wavering defense.
Surprisingly open Dortmund's star Marco last week spoke about further significant transfer initiatives not mentioning Hummels: "We see what is possible, I think there still is something possible, and we need more."
Former Chinese Super League performer and Belgian international Axel Witsel spoke about the team's growing quality leading to titles in the next season.
"We will be stronger than last season," Witsel commented adding the updated Blacks and Yellows can lay their hands on the "Meisterschale" (Championship shield) and the Cup in 2020.
An old friend like Hummels, as it looks like, could be one of the club's new heroes.
国际英语资讯:7 hospitals in Gaza shut down due to power shortage
体坛英语资讯:Veteran Balmont lifts Dijon past Rennes 2-1 in Ligue 1
体坛英语资讯:Germanys Werth claims FEI dressage victory at Amsterdam
体坛英语资讯:Four things to look out for on Spains matchday 21
国际英语资讯:Venezuelan govt, opposition closer to reach accord: official
国内英语资讯:EU ambassador optimistic on the future of Chinas reform and opening up
“回家过年卫衣”走红 专治亲戚们的春节“拷问”
国内英语资讯:China, Britain pledge to further lift Golden-Era partnership
国内英语资讯:China invites scientists to jointly build digital Silk Road
参议院阻止妊娠期超20周禁止堕胎议案
二月份不要错过的6部好电影
酒店里“double room”和“twin room”的区别
一直觉得疲倦,那你知道累还分类型吗?
国际英语资讯:False alert of missile threat to Hawaii sent by human error: report
五角大楼称俄军机从距离美国海军飞机1.5米处掠过
用猴子测试柴油车尾气 大众汽车再陷丑闻
国内英语资讯:China Focus: Xi stresses developing modernized economy
梅姨加盟《大小谎言》第2季 其实她还出演过这么多电视剧
国际英语资讯:Austrian, Hungarian leaders share position on tough stance against illegal migration
网红?游戏博主?什么在改变孩子的择业观!
1月资讯热词汇总
那些你后悔没在20多岁时做的事
国内英语资讯:Chinas graft watchdog exposes corruption in poverty relief
国内英语资讯:China asks EU to reconsider supervision requirements for non-EU financial institutions
国内英语资讯:China Focus: Mainland denounces Taiwans move to obstruct extra cross-Strait holiday flight
中国效率震惊外媒!9小时完成铺设铁路
国内英语资讯:Xi Jinping unanimously elected deputy to 13th NPC
体坛英语资讯:Wozniacki edges out Halep in gripping Australian Open final
贝嫂家中大曝光!又是贫穷限制了想象
国际英语资讯:British MPs vote to quit Houses of Parliament to pave way for massive facelift