Borussia Dortmund's European Ambitions at Risk | OneFootball

After a topsy-turvy season, the Black and Yellows find themselves in a tough situation. The team currently sits in 10th place in the Bundesliga table. And after a 1-1 home draw against Lille in the last 16 of the Champions League, progress to the next round is not guaranteed. With the league now in its business end, the results the team manages to accumulate going forward will be significant.

According to a report from the German newspaper SPORTBILD, even missing out on the Europa League could prove to be very costly for BVB. Inability to take part in Europe’s second-best competition could mean that Dortmund would have to cut the squad budget by around €30 million. The transfer budget will also be affected.

To make any major signings in the summer, big-name players will need to be sold first. This has been a continuous trend at the club for the past several years. Pundits have often criticized the fact that the club has prioritized financial gain by shipping away key players and making a profit rather than holding on to them and building a strong, competitive side.

One player who is said to be on the outgoing list is Karim Adeyemi. The winger, who has returned to form after months of injury struggles, is expected to be sold for a fixed fee of €50 million, which could rise to €60 million, according to SPORTBILD.

It was also reported that BVB can’t afford to permanently keep Chelsea loanee Carney Chukwuemeka, who has barely payed, and is expected to cost €35 million.

The coming week will be crucial in determining Dortmund’s season. The return leg against Lille, following the 1-1 draw in the first leg at home, is a must-win. Qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League has been a routine feat for BVB, and the extra payment that comes with it is always welcome. But it's far guaranteed this season.

The last game before the March international break also sees BVB face Leipzig, a rival for European places. A win there could boost the team’s spirit and keep the recent momentum going.