Cole Campbell is poised to complete a permanent transfer from Borussia Dortmund to SV Elversberg. According to Sky Germany, the 20-year-old United States youth international has reached a full agreement with the German second-tier club and is scheduled to undergo a medical examination within the coming days.
Should the medical proceed without issue, Campbell will commit to a contract running until 2030. The lengthy deal signals strong belief in his potential from the recently promoted side, who secured their place in the 2. Bundesliga in 2023. Crucially, Borussia Dortmund have negotiated a buy-back option, retaining a mechanism to re-acquire the player if he develops as anticipated.
Loan spell and departure
The transfer concludes Campbell’s association with Dortmund, where he came through the academy system but found first-team opportunities limited. During the second half of last season, he gained valuable senior experience on loan at TSG Hoffenheim, featuring in five matches for the Bundesliga outfit.
That temporary move did not translate into a permanent stay in the top flight. Instead, Campbell has chosen Elversberg to secure regular playing time. The shift to the second tier offers a platform to rebuild momentum after a stop-start campaign.
Strategic arrangement
The structure of the deal benefits all parties. Elversberg acquire a talented young prospect on a long-term basis, while Dortmund protect their asset through the buy-back clause. This arrangement allows the American to develop in a competitive environment without the immediate pressure of performing for his parent club.
Campbell will hope to establish himself as a regular starter for Elversberg, who are preparing for another season of consolidation in Germany’s second division. The club’s coaching staff will expect him to contribute immediately following the completion of the formalities.
Final steps
The transfer awaits only the successful conclusion of the medical before the official announcement. Campbell will then join his new colleagues for pre-season training ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, aiming to reignite a career that has shown promise at youth level.