Kurdish footballer to join Dortmund despite Liverpool interest

TORONTO, Canada (Kurdistan24) – Kurdish footballer Mahmoud Dahoud who has been linked with a move to English club Liverpool may head to Borussia Dortmund instead.

The 20-year-old was thought to be headed to the Premier League after reports in the summer suggested Liverpool were interested in signing him during the January transfer window.

According to German publication Express, Liverpool was readying a £26 million offer for the youngster and wanted to sign him after the New Year.

The move now seems unlikely as German club Borussia Dortmund have reportedly stepped up their efforts in acquiring Dahoud.

The Mail had earlier reported Dahoud was a “prime target” for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, but with interest from Klopp’s former club Dortmund, Liverpool’s pursuit of the winger had “cooled.”

Dahoud currently plays for German side Borussia Mӧnchengladbach and has made 10 appearances so far this season.

German newspaper Bild reported Dortmund were willing to offer a player plus cash for Dahoud’s services with midfielder Nuri Sahin expected to make the switch.

Dahoud, born in Amuda, Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), was recently listed among 39 other young footballers for the prestigious “Golden Boy” award.

He made a total of 41 appearances for Mӧnchengladbach in all competitions during the 2015-2016 season, scoring five goals.

The footballer’s parents fled the Assad regime in 1996, shortly after he was born, seeking refuge in Germany.

Dahoud signed for Mӧnchengladbach in 2010 at the age of 14. The youngster remained in the club’s academy before making his first-team debut in 2014.

He has since gone on to represent the German under-21 national side four times.

With plenty of potential, the Kurdish footballer has an opportunity to move his career forward with a transfer to either Liverpool or Borussia Dortmund.