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Football Insider

USMNT prospect Cole Campbell seeks transfer from Borussia Dortmund as European clubs circle

Sky Sports Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that 19-year-old American winger Cole Campbell has officially requested to leave Borussia Dortmund in search of regular first-team opportunities. Despite making five senior appearances for BVB and featuring for the U.S.'s U20 team, Campbell aims to continue his development elsewhere. Several European clubs have shown interest in the talented prospect, with Belgian sides Club Brugge and Anderlecht, Danish club FC Midtjylland, and German second-division team SV Elversberg in the mix.

USMNT prospect Cole Campbell seeks transfer from Borussia Dortmund as European clubs circle

Cole Campbell has formally requested to leave Borussia Dortmund during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg. The 19-year-old American winger is seeking a move in order to find regular first-team playing time and continue his development. Campbell featured for the U.S's U20 side and has made five senior appearances for BVB. Plettenberg reported that Campbell has officially submitted his transfer request to Borussia Dortmund's management, citing concerns about his pathway to meaningful minutes with the senior squad. The U.S. youth international has struggled to break into Niko Kovac's plans this season despite showing promise in limited appearances last campaign.Campbell's representatives have communicated that a winter move would best serve his development.According to Plettenberg’s report, several European clubs have expressed interest in Campbell. Belgian sides Club Brugge and Anderlecht are among the potential destinations. Danish club FC Midtjylland is also reported to be monitoring the situation, while German second-division team SV Elversberg has been identified as another option.Campbell's transfer request comes just months after Borussia Dortmund rejected a $4.6 million (€4 million) offer from VfB Stuttgart for the American winger. Reports from German outlet Bild indicated that Dortmund was holding out for approximately $9.3 million (€8 million) for Campbell during the summer window, despite the player having already agreed to personal terms with Stuttgart. This standoff ultimately prevented Campbell from securing a move.Dortmund have a rematch with Leverkusen, the side they beat 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Saturday, in the German Cup on Dec. 2. 

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Cole Campbell's Transfer Request at Borussia Dortmund

According to reports from Sky Sports Deutschland, Cole Campbell has formally requested to depart Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming January transfer window. The young American winger is eager to secure more playing time and further his growth as a player. Despite his potential and brief stints with the senior squad, Campbell has struggled to cement his place in Niko Kovac's plans, prompting his representatives to seek a move that aligns with his career objectives.

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Interest from European Clubs

Multiple European clubs have shown interest in recruiting Cole Campbell following news of his desire to leave Borussia Dortmund. Belgian outfits like Club Brugge and Anderlecht, along with Danish side FC Midtjylland and German second-division team SV Elversberg, have emerged as potential destinations for the talented winger. This indicates the high regard in which Campbell is held across the continent, with clubs recognizing his potential and seeking to add him to their ranks.

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Previous Negotiations and Stalled Moves

Cole Campbell's transfer request comes after Borussia Dortmund rejected a substantial offer from VfB Stuttgart in a previous window. Despite agreeing to personal terms with the Stuttgart side, Dortmund held out for a higher transfer fee, leading to an impasse that prevented the move from materializing. This experience likely influenced Campbell's decision to formally request an exit this time around, as he seeks a more straightforward path to a new club where he can continue his development and make significant contributions on the field.

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Upcoming Fixtures and Club Dynamics

With Borussia Dortmund set to face Leverkusen in the German Cup, the ongoing transfer saga involving Cole Campbell adds an element of uncertainty to the team dynamics. As the club navigates this situation, Campbell's future remains a focal point of discussion among fans and pundits alike. It will be interesting to see how Dortmund's management handles the transfer request and whether any of the interested European clubs make a concrete offer to secure Campbell's services.

Published on Nov 30, 2025