Better prospects in Berlin
© Imago
Before Tom Rothe (20) moved from Borussia Dortmund to Union Berlin, the then 19 -year -old left -back thought: “I am a young player and I have to play. And preferably not from time to time, but constant. ” In an interview of the “Ruhr news“. The BVB still tried to prevent the departure.
“Here in Berlin I saw a better chance for me than in Dortmund, because of course there are other players with other qualities in the squad,” Rothe continued to justify his step to Union, who helped to shape ex-coach Bo Svensson . “The phone call with him was crucial,” said Rothe. “He showed me that I have very good chances of getting to play in the Union jersey. (…) This phone call really triggered something in me and then I decided to do this. And it hasn’t regretted it to this day. “
In Dortmund, Rothe Ramy Bensebaini and possibly also Julian Rerson on the left would have had Yan Couto for the right full-back position a few days before Rothe’s decision. Nevertheless, the Dortmund tried to remain the remaining of the FC St. Pauli in 2021 into the U17 and in the meantime reduced red red Kiel.
“It was definitely not the wish of those responsible that I was going,” said Rothe. “You tried to keep me. But in the end we found a good solution. ” The BVB secured a buyback option for the young professional, which, according to a report by the “Sport Bild”, would only apply from 2026, two years before the end of the contract in 2028. Depending on Rothe’s operating times, the necessary amount would then range between 12 and 18 million euros. Dortmund received a transfer of 5 million euros and also a matching right, which means that Union would have to teach the black and yellow of a possible offer for Rothe from a third club, whereupon the district club could also offer.
Accordingly, Rothe could “not do much with regard to a possible future at BVB, except to bring my services on the pitch”. He was “responsible for doing well, and then let’s see what will happen in the future. I never say. I definitely try to get better every day. And currently Union is exactly the right place for it. “