‘It takes time!’ – Borussia Dortmund chief explains last-minute deal to sign Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea

Chelsea were determined to squeeze maximum value from a player they picked up for significantly less. That left Dortmund waiting until late August before they could strike. 

“Of course, I could also fly to Chelsea in July, sit down with the bosses, and make the €20 million offer for Chukwuemeka,” Kehl added. “But then they’d probably say, ‘You can fly home immediately!’ It takes time and a clear strategy to implement your ideas. And it also requires a clear commitment from the player.”