Bellingham made us turn down signing Victor Boniface — Dortmund chief

Borussia Dortmund sporting director explains why they turned down the chance to sign Victor Boniface from Union Saint Gilloise.

Borussia Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl has revealed why the Black Yellow passed on the chance to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface despite having an interest in him.

The 22-year-old has had a stellar start to the season at Bayer Leverkusen since joining in the summer. He earned the move from his exploits last season at Union Saint Gilloise, but before Die Werkself snapped him up, their league rivals Dortmund had him in their sight.

What Sebastian Kehl said

The 43-year-old explained that the Ondo-born striker was on their radar; however, they turned down the chance to sign him due to budgeting reasons, according to Waz.

Kehl revealed that Dortmund entered negotiations for the striker but stalled on proceedings given that signing a player in the position is not a pressing need and that they did not necessarily have the funds to make the move.

The former defensive midfielder explained that they did not envisage the windfall that came from Bellingham’s sale to Madrid, suggesting that if the move had happened earlier, they would have made a serious effort for Boniface.

“I’m not upset at all because I know that timing and circumstances are incredibly important elements in my job to be able to make the right decision at the right moment,” Kehl said about missing out on Boniface.

“At the time when such transfers were being negotiated and executed, we didn’t know that Jude Bellingham would be sold.”

“There was no budget, therefore. Moreover, at that time, it wasn’t necessarily the plan to add another striker to the squad. Regardless of the Boniface situation, I find it interesting how players we had on our radar developed at other clubs. By the way, there are also many examples where I’m glad they are not under contract with Borussia Dortmund."

Boniface setting Bundesliga alight  

The former USG striker is one of the hottest commodities in world football, despite only making a move a few months ago.

His stellar form is such that he is already getting linked away from Germany, with Chelsea and Manchester United said to be monitoring his development.

Boniface has scored seven goals in as many starts for Xabi Alonso’s men this season, as well as assisting two goals. As Pulse Sports reported, he has now won his second Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award.

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