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Football Insider

Exciting Move: U.S. Young Talent Cole Campbell Joins Hoffenheim on Loan from Borussia Dortmund

Struggling to find playing time at Borussia Dortmund, Cole Campbell secures a six-month loan deal with Hoffenheim, with an option to buy for $11.7 million. Read on for more details!

Exciting Move: U.S. Young Talent Cole Campbell Joins Hoffenheim on Loan from Borussia Dortmund

Cole Campbell has agreed a six-month loan to Hoffenheim after struggling to establish himself in the first team for Borussia Dortmund, the club announced Monday morning. The deal includes an option to buy for up to $11.7 million should the club opt to make it permanent at the end of the season. Campbell has played just 16 senior minutes this season for the German giants. Campbell's loan deal comes after a frustrating few months with Dortmund. The American attacking midfielder showed promise in the 2024-25 season, but struggled to establish himself this campaign under Niko Kovac. He reportedly faced disciplinary issues with the head coach and handed in a transfer request this winter following a lack of playing time. Campbell managed just one Bundesliga appearance this year after playing four times in the 2024-25 season.  It would seem to be a long time coming, too. He appeared to be nearing a move to Stuttgart, but Dortmund rejected an offer of around $5m for his services. Clubs in Denmark and Belgium also expressed interest, but Dortmund, eager to receive a more substantial fee, held out. Despite his difficulties at Dortmund, Campbell has continued to impress in the United States youth setup. The winger played in the U20 World Cup and was also called up for the U.S. U-21s for their training camp at the end of the year.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingHoffenheim would seem to be an encouraging new opportunity for Campbell. The winger will have a chance to make an immediate impact, with starting winger Bazoumana Toure still with the Ivory Coast national team at AFCON. Hoffenheim are fifth in the Bundesliga and remain in the hunt for an unlikely Champions League appearance.

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A Fresh Start at Hoffenheim

After facing challenges at Borussia Dortmund, Cole Campbell's move to Hoffenheim offers a new beginning for the young American talent. Despite limited opportunities with Dortmund this season, his loan to Hoffenheim presents a chance to showcase his skills and make a significant impact in the Bundesliga.

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Background and Struggles at Dortmund

Campbell's journey at Borussia Dortmund has been a mix of promise and disappointment. While he impressed in the previous season, his relationship with coach Niko Kovac soured this campaign due to disciplinary issues. With minimal playing time and a transfer request in the mix, Dortmund's decision to loan him out reflects a difficult period for the attacking midfielder.

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International Success and Future Prospects

Despite his challenges in Germany, Campbell has shone on the international stage with the U.S. youth teams. His participation in the U20 World Cup and U-21 training camp highlights his potential and readiness for competitive football. The move to Hoffenheim provides him with a platform to continue his development and potentially secure a permanent deal if he performs well.

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Excitement at Hoffenheim

Joining Hoffenheim at a crucial phase in their Bundesliga campaign, Campbell has the opportunity to make an immediate impact. With the absence of key players like Bazoumana Toure, Campbell's arrival could inject fresh energy into the team's push for a Champions League spot. His versatility and attacking prowess could be vital in Hoffenheim's quest for success.

Published on Jan 5, 2026