Fisnik Asllani could become a target for Borussia Dortmund in the final days of the transfer window. A potential departure of Fabio Silva at Dortmund could reignite interest in the Hoffenheim star.
Die Kraichgauer started the new Bundesliga season with a defeat and currently sit in 12th place with 0 points from one match. They are already three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Their goal difference after the first matchday stands at -1, having scored two and conceded three.
Fisnik Asllani was already a hot candidate for a transfer in the previous summer window. Borussia Dortmund courted the Kosovan international, but a release clause had already expired by that time. Later, an agreed €25 million move to RB Leipzig collapsed due to medical concerns. Asllani subsequently stayed at Hoffenheim and delivered a strong performance last season. The forward scored ten goals and provided nine assists. This established him as a viable backup option to Serhou Guirassy or even his replacement, had the striker left the club.
The striker situation at Borussia Dortmund could change at short notice. Fabio Silva, who was signed for €22.5 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, could leave the club before the transfer window closes on 31 August. Should this happen, Dortmund would reportedly target Asllani again. Silva himself expressed confidence after the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup defeat to Bayern Munich. "I'm ready to assume greater responsibility with the club after the Supercup defeat," the Portuguese said. In that match, he came on for Guirassy in the 75th minute and scored the consolation goal. Last season, Silva made 28 league appearances, starting seven, and contributed two goals and six assists.
At Die Kraichgauer, manager Niko Kovac continues to clearly rely on Serhou Guirassy as the first-choice striker. The attacker, who scored 60 goals across two seasons with Hoffenheim, was also included in the starting lineup during pre-season. However, Asllani's strong performances last season make him a valuable part of the squad, whether as a squad player or in case of an injury to Guirassy. The team is currently preparing for its next important fixture. On 5 September, Hoffenheim will host Borussia Dortmund, currently fifth in the table, at home. All upcoming matches can be viewed on our fixtures page.
The focus is now fully on the sporting restart. The opening defeat and speculative transfer rumours surrounding a key player like Asllani present a challenge. The team must quickly concentrate on the derby against Dortmund to secure the first points of the season. The current league standing can be tracked on our standings page. Retaining Asllani would be an important factor for attacking depth, especially in an intense season with European ambitions. The next opportunity to break the negative streak comes in just four days against direct rivals Dortmund.
