Borussia Dortmund confirmed on Thursday morning what had been widely expected for weeks. Striker Adrian Ramos has left the club with immediate effect, joining Spanish side Granada on loan until the end of the season. After the loan deal, the Colombian will join Chinese club Chongqing Dangdai Lifan.
The 31-year-old had already left Dortmund a few days ago and started training with Granada with permission of the Black and Yellows. The curious loan-construct is made possible by the fact that Granada and Lifan are owned by Jiang Lizhan, with the two clubs signing a cooperation agreement ahead of the start of the season in Europe.
Ramos appeared in a total of 97 matches across competitions for the Ruhr side since moving to the Westfalenstadion in 2014 from Hertha BSC. He scored 21 and assisted 11 goals, including three goals and one assist in the current campaign.
The Colombia international was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s primary back-up since Thomas Tuchel took over the head coaching position in 2015 and played a solid if unspectacular role for the 43-year-old.
Tuchel previously said he only reluctantly let his striker leave the club. Sporting director Michael Zorc explained the motive behind Dortmund’s decision:
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Adrian Ramos was presented with a lucrative offer from China last year. When he came to us once again during the winter to express his desire to leave the club and move to China, we decided to grant his wish. Moreover, it is a very valuable offer for a player who turned 31 years last Sunday.
Reports in the German media suggest the Black and Yellows will receive €11 million for Ramos, which would be more than they paid Hertha in 2014 and than they paid for Alexander Isak earlier this week.
The Swede was signed to fill Ramos’ spot in the squad but, for now, chances are Andre Schürrle will be the main beneficiary.
