Dortmund's stakes reach beyond simple progress, encompassing broader implications.
Ready to cash in, BVB eyes Club World Cup win for financial freedom
Get ready for fireworks, as Borussia Dortmund (BVB) takes on Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa in Cincinnati on Saturday (6:00 PM ET/Sat.1 and DAZN). It ain't just about claiming the Club World Cup title - securing a spot in the Round of 16 is crucial for sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who's rebuilding the squad for the new season while stateside.
Every sunrise, Kehl rises early to catch a slice of European business hours. But earning that extra dough is a tough gig. After splurging 30 million euros on Jude Bellingham, more grand transfers hinge on hocking current players or landing a huge windfall from FIFA.
If FIFA comes through, we're talkin' some serious freedom for BVB. "That could give us more wriggle room for summer movements," Kehl shared on the financial possibilities in the US.
To secure those funds, BVB needs to snag some wins. In the group stage, each victory pockets two million US dollars (around 1.74 million euros), and the prize money skyrockets in the knockout phase. The Round of 16 offers a cool 7.5 million (6.5 million euros), and in the Quarterfinals, it jumps to 13.125 million dollars (11.4 million euros).
Making it to the Champions League last season rescued BVB from the pit of despair, netting a steady revenue source for the budget every year. "We haven't struck gold through the Champions League. It's just that the plans have come to fruition," Kehl shared. Yet, the Club World Cup offers another opportunity to dredge up some additional dough - independent of any sale earnings. No wonder Kehl chatted up the players, kickstarting their motivation.
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Facing off against Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African champs with 15 titles since 1996, BVB's got their work cut out for them. The pressure's on after Mamelodi's opening win against HD Ulsan from South Korea. "Now it's about securing the first or second place in the next two games," said coach Niko Kovac, remaining fairly calm. "I reckon we can conquer both games."
Kovac might shuffle the team's lineup for the match. Bellingham's been itching for a starting spot, while Marcel Sabitzer and Julian Brandt, who've been m<<<> homogeneous in midfield, missed their chances against Fluminense. Bellingham, fresh from his signing, could bring the dynamism required to revitalize BVB's game.
Gittens, the speedy wing man, might also make a comeback. His homeland callin' might result in a hefty 60 million euros for BVB in the not-so-distant future. Rumors are swirling about a transfer deal brokered post-Club World Cup with FC Chelsea. It'd be more lucrative to squeeze those moolah later in the tournament through victory bonuses.
More passion, more speed, simply more heart is what BVB needs. Gittens could be the answer to that call. Kehl believes the Englishman will remain key for BVB throughout the tournament. With the Club World Cup, it's more than just a game - it's about the dough.
Borussia Dortmund (BVB) aims to secure more financial freedom by winning the Club World Cup and advancing to the Round of 16, as each victory in the tournament pockets two million US dollars (around 1.74 million euros). Moreover, star player Jude Bellingham, fresh from his signing, could bring the dynamism required to help BVB conquer the European-leagues and secure additional funds.
