- Borussia Dortmund fought back from 2-0 down inside nine minutes to draw 2-2 with AS Roma
- Julian Ryerson and Serhou Guirassy scored as Niko Kovač’s side recovered after a difficult opening spell
- BVB have agreed deals for Giannīs Kōnstantelias and Joey Veerman, with documentation and medical steps still referenced before completion
Dortmund Recover After Early Roma Damage
Borussia Dortmund ended the friendly against AS Roma with a 2-2 draw, having looked in serious trouble after conceding twice inside the opening nine minutes against the Serie A side.
The response was the major positive for head coach Niko Kovač. Dortmund steadied themselves after the early setbacks, and goals from Julian Ryerson and Serhou Guirassy brought the Black and Yellows level before full-time.
“In the first eight minutes we simply weren’t there,” said Kovač afterwards. “We switched off twice, but after that we showed a great reaction. Coming back from 2-0 down against an Italian side isn’t exactly easy.”
Dortmund also had opportunities to complete the turnaround. Summer signing Konstantinos Karetsas went closest in the second half when he struck the crossbar.
Karetsas Adds Creativity in Second Dortmund Test
The friendly against Roma was Karetsas’ second test since his move from Belgian side Genk earlier in the summer. As in the fixture against Arsenal, the 18-year-old played with freedom and imagination, creating several promising openings across the match.
Unlike his debut against the Gunners, when he scored, Karetsas did not find the net against Roma. Even so, his performance added to the sense of anticipation around his first competitive appearances for Dortmund.
Sporting director Lars Ricken said the level of pre-season opposition had left the squad in a positive frame of mind before the Supercup.
“In Arsenal and now Roma, we’ve faced two top European opponents, so we head into the Supercup against Bayern with a good feeling,” said sporting director Lars Ricken.
Dortmund are scheduled to face the defending Bundesliga champions on Saturday 22 August in the first opportunity to win silverware this season.
Double Transfer Move Advances
Alongside the on-pitch recovery against Roma, Dortmund’s recruitment plans have also accelerated. The club appear to be moving towards a major double addition involving PAOK attacker Giannis Konstantelias and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman.
Borussia Dortmund have agreed a deal to sign Giannis Konstantelias. Documents between the clubs and the player side still need to be signed before a club statement can follow. Giannīs was in Dortmund on Sunday, and the fee is described as €32m including add-ons, plus a 15% sell-on clause to PAOK.
Dortmund’s activity is not expected to stop there. They are also set to sign PSV midfielder Joey Veerman by activating his €21.5m release clause. The midfielder has a five-year contract lined up, his medical is booked, and he is expected to undergo that medical today before leaving PSV.
How the Deals Fit Dortmund’s Squad Planning
The two moves would reshape how Dortmund use the funds previously allocated for Said El Mala, after the club withdrew from those negotiations. Nils-Ole Book has publicly highlighted the need for a central midfielder who can support the attack, rather than only functioning as a holding midfielder in front of BVB’s back three.
Konstantelias would bring dribbling and creativity between the lines, while Veerman would add passing range and control from deeper midfield zones. If both transfers proceed as expected, Dortmund will have committed approximately €52m to two different solutions for remaining squad needs, with the latest figures also listing €32m including add-ons for Kōnstantelias and €21.5m for Veerman.
| Player | Club | Terms | Squad role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Konstantelias | PAOK | €32m including add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause to PAOK | Dribbling and creativity between the lines |
| Joey Veerman | PSV Eindhoven | €21.5m agreed, with a five-year contract and medical booked | Passing quality and greater control from deeper midfield positions |
Club Officials Point to More Business
Dortmund officials hinted after the AS Roma friendly that more transfer activity was in motion, while declining to confirm individual names or specific reports.
“We have a lot of things going on,” BVB sporting director Nils-Ole Book told reporters after Dortmund’s friendly against AS Roma yesterday. “We are trying to work together proactively in order to sign players that can help us, the ones who bring the qualities we need. As always, we won’t be commenting on names or specific media reports.”
“We have several players in mind who can strengthen us,” Book continued. “I don’t want to call it Plan A, Plan B, or Plan C. We’re just seeking the right players. You’ll just have to wait and see. We had funds earmarked for Said El Mala. Now it’s entirely possible that we’re going to sign more than one player. Absolutely.”
