The 5 Most Expensive Players Sold by Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund have made over €1 billion in player sales, earning a reputation as an ideal destination for future superstars.

Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s prominent football clubs, has not only established itself as a fierce competitor to Bayern Munich but also gained a reputation for nurturing exceptional talents in the world of football.

Over the years, Dortmund has made substantial profits by selling players who arrived as relative unknowns but left as superstars. In this article, we will explore the top five most expensive players sold by Borussia Dortmund.

5- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (€65m to Arsenal)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Dortmund in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite. After playing for four-and-a-half seasons at BVB, the enterprising forward was sold to Arsenal during the winter transfer window of the 2017-18 season. Aubameyang won several trophies with Dortmund, including the DFB Pokal and the DFB Supercup, and scored an impressive 141 goals in 213 matches across all competitions.

4- Christian Pulisic (€65m to Chelsea)

Christian Pulisic, a product of Dortmund’s youth academy, showcased his talent during his three-season stint at the club. The American winger attracted attention from top clubs, and in 2019, Chelsea made an offer that Dortmund couldn’t refuse. Pulisic’s time at Dortmund saw him win the DFB Pokal in the 2016-17 season, and he scored 19 goals in 127 matches.

3- Jadon Sancho (€85m to Manchester United)

In 2017, Jadon Sancho, an English winger, joined Dortmund from Manchester City’s academy. During his four seasons at BVB, Sancho secured two titles – the DFB Pokal and the DFB Supercup. He also received individual accolades, such as being the top goalscorer in the DFB Pokal 2020-21 and featuring in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. With 50 goals in 137 appearances, Sancho’s impressive performances caught the attention of Manchester United, who signed him for a massive fee of €85 million in the summer of 2021.

2- Jude Bellingham (€103m to Real Madrid)

Jude Bellingham, a versatile midfielder, joined Borussia Dortmund in 2020 from Birmingham City. The talented youngster quickly made an impact, attracting interest from larger clubs. Liverpool was initially keen on signing him, but they withdrew due to his skyrocketing price tag. In 2023, Real Madrid decided to invest heavily in Bellingham, acquiring his services for a whopping €103 million.

1- Ousmane Dembele (€140m to Barcelona)

Dembele arrived at Dortmund from Rennes in 2016. Despite spending only a season at the club, Dembele showcased his electrifying pace and exceptional dribbling skills. He scored 10 goals in 50 appearances and won the DFB Pokal in the 2016/17 season. Barcelona recognized his potential and broke their club record fee to secure his services in the summer of 2017 for €140 million.