Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 win over PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday was a dream scenario for the Bundesliga club – but also for Manchester United and Chelsea.
Thanks to their success over the Ligue 1 champions, Dortmund secured a bonus place in next season’s European Cup for the Bundesliga. In a particularly happy turn of events, it is Edin Terzic’s side who will benefit from their success as they are bound to finish fifth in their domestic league.
But there is a spin-off benefit for Man Utd and Chelsea – and not simply because it means that Tottenham, who would have been the Premier League club to benefit from an additional Champions League space, miss out on those potential riches.
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Both of these giants are under pressure from Financial Fair Play regulations and are eager to sell players who are deadwood in the summer.
Jadon Sancho, from Man Utd, and Ian Maatsen, from Chelsea, are among the Dortmund squad that has drawn them to within 90 minutes of the Champions League final but also secured a massive income stream for the club next season.
While it appeared something of a pipe dream for Dortmund to keep both when they arrived in January, this influx of funds could be used to try to secure the futures of both.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed as much as he tweeted: “Understand BVB will really try to keep both Ian Maatsen and Jadon Sancho with UCL fresh funds.”
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Sancho and Maatsen in the spotlight
Sancho’s performance, in particular, was eye-catching and one that will have driven demand for his services – as well as his transfer fee – upwards over the space of just 90 minutes.
It is perfect for Man Utd, who need funds to complete a summer overhaul of their squad.
Maatsen’s qualities are also abundantly clear, with his display proving he can mix it with the best.
Whether or not Sancho or Maatsen stay with BVB or not is largely irrelevant to Man Utd and Chelsea, what is key is that they have increased their marketability with outstanding performances on the big stages.
It is a happy coincidence, though, that the likeliest buyers, Dortmund, are set to be flooded with unexpected money to potentially make a deal happen.
