Cologne’s Anthony Modeste joins Borussia Dortmund. Both clubs have confirmed this. Modeste herself addressed the Cologne fans via Instagram.
Since Sunday morning (August 7th, 2022) there had been reports that the Frenchman was to replace Sebastien Haller at BVB. The forward falls indefinitely due to a testicular tumor out, which had turned out to be malicious. Haller has already had surgery. On Monday, after passing the medical check, the clubs confirmed the transfer.
Modeste not in the FC squad for the first league game
According to BVB sports director Sebastian Kehl, there was a “fundamental agreement” on Sunday afternoon. The medical check was then just a formality. Because of his move to runners-up, Modeste was no longer in the squad for 1. FC Köln in the 3-1 win in the first division game against Schalke on Sunday. “Anyone who doesn’t follow our path won’t be nominated,” explained FC coach Baumgart.
Successful again, gone again
Last season, Modeste almost single-handedly shot Cologne into the Conference League with 20 goals this season. It is the second time he has left FC after a successful season. In 2017 he went to Tianjin in China for 35 million euros after scoring 25 goals. Modeste is now playing – as long as the last hurdles are cleared – with BVB in the Champions League.
“The fact that it comes out today on the day of the game, that’s what pisses me off,” Baumgart was not happy about the rumors on Sunday after the 3-1 win against promoted FC Schalke 04. “It also has to do with fair play that you do that keep it under the lid and don’t talk big. That’s what gets on my nerves.”
Baumgart continues: “So we got into a difficult situation four hours before the game and I have the arse card because I have a good relationship with Tony personally and have to make the decision to take out the boy who would have liked to play.”
Modeste: “I’m not going because of the money”
Shortly after the change was officially announced, Modeste addressed FC fans via his Instagram channel to say goodbye. He wrote of seven years that he will never forget. “I am and will remain an ardent supporter of FC Köln,” said the Frenchman. “And FC will always be in my heart.”
In addition, the striker asserted that he would not move to Dortmund for financial reasons. “As many might think, I’m not going for the money. I’ve turned down big offers from the Gulf countries,” Modeste said. Instead, he could realize his dream in Dortmund of “experiencing the Champions League”. That opportunity has now arisen.
