3) Mahmoud Dahoud: Borussia Monchengladbach to Borussia Dortmund
More popularly known as Mo Dahoud, the Syrian-born German midfielder was in the final two years of his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach. He had rejected a contract extension at the start of the 2016/17 season as he wanted to leave the club in the summer of 2017.
A number of top clubs across Europe attempted to convince him to join them on a Bosman transfer, including the likes of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. A central midfielder who could even play in an attacking role, Dahoud has two goals and six assists so far this season.
Initially Granit Xhaka’s partner-in-crime in midfield before his move to Arsenal, Dahoud had the makings of an all-around midfielder who could provide an attacking impetus and also do the dirty work at the back.
When Borussia Dortmund entered the negotiations, Dahoud was convinced staying in the Bundesliga was the best option and the deal was announced in March that he would join the German giants this summer and sign a deal that would keep him at Westfalenstadion until 2022.
The transfer fee was reported to be £10.3m and the club were delighted to secure his signature.
“Mo Dahoud is a highly talented and exciting player for the central midfield, who we have been watching intensively for several years. He has already demonstrated that he can play at the top level.” – Dortmund sports director Michael Zorc
