Borussia Dortmund CEO says club can't afford to buy players due to pandemic

Less than two weeks after Spanish giants Real Madrid said they couldn't splash cash on star players this summer unless they first sold Welshman Gareth Bale, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke also admitted the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted his club's finances.

As noted by ESPN's Stephan Uersfeld, Watzke told German outlet Deutsche Presse-Agentur that Dortmund are facing a financial crisis.

"It's a fact that there is no more money left for transfer fee," Watzke said. 

"If you lose €4m for every match played without fans, and we do that, you must not be a prophet to calculate which direction it's headed. We definitely can't make any more big leaps."

On Friday, Sky Sports reported that English winger Jadon Sancho could push for a much-rumored move from Dortmund to Premier League outfit Manchester United before the summer transfer window closes.

Watzke told DPA that won't happen:

"Sancho staying at BVB is set in stone. We will not discuss the details. But what I can emphasize: If (Dortmund sporting director) Michael Zorc, who is a Westphalian just like me, talks about a definite decision, then it's definite. There is no room for interpretation."

However, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth added: 

"I've been in touch with our colleagues at Sky Germany... and they are convinced that Sancho won't be moving from Dortmund to United and he will be staying. On face value, it's deal off. But I'm not so sure. Never say never with transfers.

"We know Sancho is willing to go to Old Trafford and I'm told there is potential for him to push for a move to United if they do something they haven't done up until this point which is make a substantial offer."

Dortmund have reportedly placed a €120m price tag on Sancho.

Sheth continued: 

"There have been a few reports on social media from respected journalists saying that Sancho has agreed personal terms with United. I'm told this is simply not the case, but talks are ongoing between Sancho's representatives and United.

"Something tells me this is not over by a long shot."