Nick Woltemade
Newcastle, United Kingdom – 10 21 2025: Jacob Murphy and Nick Woltemade seen during Champions League league phase game between Newcastle United FC and SL Benfica
Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken has moved to calm rumours about signing Jadon Sancho or Nick Woltemade from Manchester United and Newcastle United this summer.
SportBILD ran a big interview with the Dortmund chief today in which the newspaper put transfer rumours regarding both players to him directly.
Dortmund expect to undergo something of a summer rebuild this year, with high-profile departures on the cards in several areas.
Newcastle United striker not on transfer agenda
Chief among the exits will be Serhou Guirassy. He has a release clause in his contract and is reportedly seeking to depart for pastures new, perhaps in England.
Reports have already linked Tottenham with an interest in the striker. A report in March stated that they had sent an official and talks were underway.
His departure would leave a hole, and a recent report linked Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade with a move. Some sources, despite roundly denying it, believe he could look to leave St James Park this summer.
Reports quickly named Dortmund as potential suitors, but Ricken poured cold water on that idea.
“I’m hearing about this for the first time. Cold trail. The following also applies here: We have this profile in two versions,” he said about the Newcastle striker.
That response followed a similar reply to the idea of signing Fisnik Asllani this summer.
“We have Serhou Guirassy and Fábio Silva in the position. I think we are in an excellent position here,” he said.
In other words, Dortmund would need a player to leave before they go looking for another. Thus, the Newcastle United striker isn’t on the radar as yet.
A different story with Sancho
A move for Jadon Sancho, though, is seemingly a different story. The 26-year-old will leave Manchester United this summer when his contract expires.
A return to Borussia Dortmund for a third spell has gathered pace for months. Indeed, reports in Germany suggest that Dortmund are warming to the idea.
Ricken did not confirm that directly. Instead, he said the club is still assessing options behind the scenes.
“We are currently dealing with a lot of players and are screening them. We will check if you can make us better and we do the same at Jadon,” he added.
What this means for Dortmund’s summer
Lars Ricken’s comments paint a clear picture of a Dortmund set up refusing to be rushed into anything.
Jadon Sancho is on their list because he’s leaving Manchester United, that’s clear. But for now, they are assessing him. Nick Woltemade, meanwhile, isn’t a target.
Dortmund are happy to dismiss rumours about the Newcastle United striker for now. In fact, they seemingly want to pour cold water all over it.
The German side clearly want to keep their cards close to their chest and have sent out Ricken to pour cold water on any potential flames for the time being.