Ricken confirms Dortmund will fill Rothe's role internally
After a disappointing first BVB season, Ramy Bensebaini is the presumed starter. Dortmund U19 captain Almugera Kabar will be promoted to the senior team to work behind Julian Ryerson on the depth chart.
| Photo: Borussia Dortmund |
The sale of Tom Rothe to 1. FC Union Berlin has left Borussia Dortmund with only two left-backs on their roster. Algerian Ramy Bensebaini - who had a rather disappointing campaign in his first BVB season last year - is backed up by Julian Ryerson, who can play on either side. Club head-of-sport Lars Ricken confirmed at a Wednesday presser that he and his staff would not be seeking another left-back on the transfer market.
Ricken announced that BVB U19 captain Algumera Kabar will be promoted to the professional squad as the third-string player at the position. The signing of Yan Couto leaves Ryerson available to backup Bensebaini. Like central defender Niklas Süle, Bensebaini was ordered to participate in a strictly monitored offseason fitness regimen. The club's decision not to add another player at the position suggests they are pleased with the 29-year-old's work.
Ricken spoke of taking the "courageous" path with the 18-year-old. Kabar made 22 appearances for the club at his youth level last season and was also part of Christian Wück's Germany U17 European Championship winning side this spring. The Bremen-native did miss the first half of last season with a syndemosis tear, but managed to score three goals and pocket three assists in his combined appearances for club and country.