Cole Campbell will return to Borussia Dortmund after TSG Hoffenheim opted not to trigger the purchase option included in his loan deal. The United States youth international joined Hoffenheim in January, but a serious ankle injury sustained shortly after his arrival hampered his impact at the club.
Campbell made six substitute appearances in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim, spending a period regaining fitness with the reserve team following the injury. According to Kicker, the Kraichgau club considered the €7 million fee, plus potential bonuses, to be excessive given the limited playing time and recent setback.
Campbell remains under contract with Dortmund until 2028, but the club are reportedly open to a permanent sale this summer. Kicker reports that Dortmund are not expected to reduce their asking price, despite Hoffenheim’s decision, as other clubs have expressed interest in the 21-year-old attacker. He joined Dortmund in 2021 from LA Galaxy II, and has made 11 appearances for the Black and Yellows’ first team.
Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are anticipating potential departures in their attacking ranks, with Bazoumana Touré attracting significant interest and likely offers. Christian Ilzer’s team secured a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga, earning qualification for next season’s Europa League, and will be looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The club will be looking to add depth to their squad to compete on multiple fronts.
This outcome leaves Campbell’s future uncertain, though a permanent move away from Dortmund appears the most probable solution for all parties involved.
