Kjell Wätjen is poised to join Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland from Borussia Dortmund in a deal expected to be finalized imminently, according to reports in Denmark and Germany. Tipsbladet initially reported that an agreement between the two clubs is “practically” complete, with Sky Germany corroborating the information and estimating the transfer fee to be under €5million.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been a highly-regarded prospect within Dortmund’s academy, but appears to have fallen out of favour with the first-team setup. Despite being considered a versatile player, and briefly trialled at wing-back during pre-season, it became clear that Wätjen did not feature in Dortmund’s long-term plans. This situation mirrors that of several other promising youth players at the Bundesliga club.
Wätjen’s current contract with Dortmund runs until 2028, though he spent the recent season on loan at 2. Bundesliga side VfL Bochum. He made 17 appearances for Bochum across all competitions, contributing one assist, as they finished 12th in the table. The move to Midtjylland offers Wätjen the opportunity for more consistent first-team football, a key factor in his development.
A significant draw for Wätjen is the presence of Mike Tullberg at Midtjylland. Tullberg previously coached Wätjen during his time with Dortmund’s U-19 team, providing a familiar face and a trusted mentor. This pre-existing relationship is expected to aid Wätjen’s integration into the Midtjylland squad. The German U-20 international will be hoping to establish himself as a key player in Denmark and further his career progression.
The transfer represents a sensible move for both parties, allowing Dortmund to recoup a fee for a player unlikely to break into their first team, while providing Wätjen with a clear pathway to regular football. Midtjylland will be adding a promising young talent to their ranks, potentially bolstering their midfield options for the upcoming season.
