Reports: Berisha looks headed for Hoffenheim, BVB linked with late swoop for Füllkrug
Difficult as it may be to fathom, three reliable German footballing media sources are now reporting that Mërgim Belisha's next destination is actually Hoffenheim.
North-Rhine Westphalia's Ruhrnachrichten newspaper is also currently reporting that a seemingly nonsensical transfer may potentially place.
After his confirmed absence from Augsburg training today fueled reports that Mërgim Berisha was on his way to join Borussia Dortmund, Mario Krischel of Germany's Kicker Magazine publishing a report that leads linking Berisha to both Dortmund and Wolfsburg were "barely lukewarm". Instead, the German journalist noted, a lead linking Berisha to Hoffenheim seemed more plausible.
North-Rhine Westphalia's Ruhrnachrichten newspaper is also currently reporting that a seemingly nonsensical transfer may potentially place.
Such a move seems odd considering how many strikers Hoffenheim already have on their roster. Moreover, it has been common knowledge that Berisha wished to depart the FCA in order to move to a "larger club". It nevertheless seems to be the case that Krischel's journalism may be spot on. Germany's "Sport1" broadcaster and "Sport Bild" tabloid are now both confirming this information.
Dortmund have been known to be actively searching for another striker. BVB trainer Edin Terzic pointed out that, with Sebastien Haller set to travel south to represent Cote d'Ivoire in this coming winter's Africa Cup of Nations, his squad requires further depth at the position. Westphalia's Ruhrnachrichten newspaper now reports that Dortmund are now preparing to make a late swoop for Bremen's Niclas Füllkrug.
Bremen's poor start to the season may certainly leave Füllkrug re-considering his decision to remain with the Hanseaten. Dortmund also have the financial resources to meet Bremen's demands of upwards of €20 million. There still exist plenty of reasons why such a move wouldn't make a great deal of sense. Terzic's tactics would have to be radically rearranged to accommodate Füllkrug.
If not, the striker might not get enough playing time to keep up his national team ambitions. The 30-year-old's history with injuries should also make Dortmund wary whilst the case of Anthony Modeste (currently clubless after filling in for Haller and then being benched) might influence Füllkrug's thinking.