West Ham United’s demands for Konstantino Mavropanos are a potential issue for Borussia Dortmund this summer.
BILD report that the German side face a financial battle to sign the West Ham centre back this summer, despite him showing a willingness for the move.
Niklas Süle replacement
BILD explain that Dortmund are looking at the West Ham defender as a replacement for Niklas Süle, who is set to leave in the summer.
The Bundesliga side have shown an interest in the Greek centre-back in the past. And, crucially, BILD reports that he “can well imagine” a move back to Germany. That tallies with reports in England, which have said similar.
But there is a problem; West Ham’s asking price. The Hammers are demanding €30m for Mavropanos. That’s double what the 28-year-old is currently valued at by the likes of Transfermarkt.
And it’s a figure which is causing hesitation inside Dortmund’s hierarchy. Sporting director Lars Ricken and football director Ole Book see Mavropanos as an ideal Süle replacement, but the club is unwilling to be drawn into a bidding war for a player they believe should cost significantly less.
West Ham’s stance is driven by various factors, though. They paid €20m in 2023, so want that back, and have the defender tied to a deal until 2028.
The Hammers also want to protect an asset amid relegation fears. If they are relegated, Dortmund’s negotiating position would strengthen dramatically.
Why Dortmund want him
Dortmund, though, see Konstantinos Mavropanos as a perfect fit for various reasons. He ticks various boxes for the role:
Right-footed, aggressive, aerially dominant
Bundesliga proven from his 89 games at Stuttgart
Comfortable stepping into midfield and driving the team forwards
Physically suited to the right side of a back three
For the defender, the appeal is just as clear. Dortmund offer Champions League football, a system that suits him and a return to a league where he previously thrived.
But Dortmund need to weigh up the deal. They clearly don’t want to pay West Ham’s €30m asking price. And they’re seemingly willing to wait and see what happens to West Ham this season before committing to any transfer talks.