Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that midfielder Kjell Wätjen has left the club to join Danish side FC Midtjylland on a permanent basis. The 20-year-old Germany youth international has completed his medical, paving the way for the switch to the Danish Superligaen.
The transfer is reportedly worth slightly more than €3 million, including performance-related bonuses, according to Sky Germany. The move ends Wätjen’s long association with the Bundesliga outfit, where he developed through the renowned academy system after joining as a child.
Managing director for sport Lars Ricken paid tribute to the departing midfielder. “Kjell isn’t just a great football player – he’s also a great person. His journey at Borussia Dortmund, from the U10s all the way to his debut with the first team, has been truly special,” Ricken said. “He feels a deep connection to the club, and we’re proud that he’s been with us for so many years. We wish Kjell every success and all the best as he takes his next step.”
Sparse senior opportunities
Despite progressing from the U10s through to the senior setup, Wätjen made only four appearances for the Dortmund first team. He contributed one assist during his time with the senior squad but found regular minutes difficult to secure amid intense competition for places.
The midfielder spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Bundesliga rivals VfL Bochum, gaining valuable senior experience in the German top flight. The temporary spell proved to be his final taste of Bundesliga football before securing this permanent transfer abroad.
The switch to Midtjylland offers Wätjen the prospect of regular first-team football that proved unattainable in Dortmund. For the Danish club, the reported fee exceeding €3 million represents a significant investment as they reshape their squad ahead of the new season.
Wätjen’s departure reflects Dortmund’s ongoing approach of allowing academy graduates to seek opportunities elsewhere when pathways to the first team remain blocked. The 20-year-old now faces the challenge of establishing himself as a regular starter in the Danish top tier.