Mats Hummels returns to Borussia Dortmund in €38m switch

Bayern Munich centre-back Mats Hummels has signed for former club Borussia Dortmund in a €38m deal, including add-ons and subject to medical, after spending three years at the Allianz Arena. 

The German defender had a long eight-year spell at Dortmund before his move to the Bundesliga champions in 2016. Hummels won the German league in each of his three seasons as well as three DFL Supercups and one DFB Pokal with the Bavarians, but his game time was greatly affected by manager Niko Kovac’s arrival last summer. 

Mats Hummels was a product of the Bayern Munich academy but only made a single appearance for them before joining Borussia Dortmund on loan in 2008, which became permanent after a season because of his impressive performances. 

The German’s return to the Signal Iduna Park highlights yet another brilliant piece of transfer business by manager Lucien Favre and the Borussia Dortmund board. The Bundesliga runners-up have already signed Thorgan Hazard from Borussia Monchengladbach, Nico Schulz from Hoffenheim and Julian Brandt from Bayer Leverkusen for a combined total of only £66.6m, which was funded by the sale of Christian Pulisic to Chelsea.

The  2014 World Cup winner will reunite with many Dortmund players including Marco Reus and Mario Gotze as he will look to emulate his best form in the Black and Yellow. Hummels had a disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign with Germany and has since not been able to perform at his highest level. 

The 30-year old will bring much-needed experience to the Dortmund camp, as young defenders like Abdou Diallo and Manuel Akanji will greatly benefit from Hummels’ expertise.

Borussia Dortmund’s intent in this summer transfer window has indicated that they are ready to pip Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title next season, after coming as close as two points this season.