5 players Borussia Dortmund should sign this January

#3 Manuel Akanji

Born to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother, Manuel Akanji is already making a name for himself in European football. The FC Basel central defender’s rise to the top has been remarkable while it’s clear to see just why elite football clubs are after him.

At just 22, Akanji has made a name for himself in the Switzerland national team, while he’s the latest talent off a long list within Swiss football, where he’s played alongside a friend, Denis Zakaria, who is now at Borussia Monchengladbach.

It would be wise for a club such as Borussia Dortmund to make a move for Akanji. The central defender already has experience in the Champions League where he’s produced some of his best performances. At such a young age, Akanji has already featured in more than half-a-century of games for Basel.

Strong in the air, Akanji is comfortable at both the left and right side of the central defence, while he’s also deputised at full-back when needed.

Signing the Switzerland international would be a statement of intent from Borussia Dortmund. To sign a top young defender ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich doesn’t come often and that’s why Peter Stoger & Co. need to make a move now before bigger clubs come in the summer.