​Rewriting the story: SPIESEN-ELVERSBERG, Germany (AP) — Cole Campbell, an American forward born in Houston, is set to join Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg from Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old forward has agreed to a four-year contract through June 2030, according to Elversberg’s official site on Thursday. The club praised Campbell, emphasizing his speed and one-on-one abilities, and noted that they had pursued him for some time before he chose to join them.
Elversberg’s announcement highlighted Campbell as a highly talented player who can be a major asset for the team. Sporting director Christian Weber expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating that Campbell’s pace and skill will contribute significantly, and that the club is pleased to welcome him after a long recruitment process. Kicker magazine reported that Elversberg is paying Dortmund about 6 million euros (roughly $7 million) to acquire the player who joined Dortmund’s youth system from Iceland in 2022.
Lars Ricken, Dortmund’s managing director of sports, commented on Campbell’s departure, calling him an incredibly talented player with substantial potential. Ricken thanked Campbell for his time with Dortmund and wished him success in all future endeavors, both on and off the pitch. Campbell’s path through professional football includes a loan spell during the latter half of last season at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, where he made five appearances as a substitute. Earlier in the season, he also came on as a substitute for Dortmund in a match against Heidenheim.
Campbell began his international youth career with Iceland, playing for their Under-17 team before switching allegiance to the United States and representing American youth sides thereafter. Elversberg’s promotion to the Bundesliga marks the club’s first season competing in Germany’s top flight after finishing as runners-up in the 2. Bundesliga last season, securing promotion to the top division for the first time in club history. The transfer underscores Elversberg’s ambition as a newly promoted club looks to establish itself in the Bundesliga with fresh talent and potential.
This development follows Elversberg’s remarkable ascent to the Bundesliga after their close finish in the second division. The club’s leadership, including Weber, stressed their long-term plan to strengthen the squad with promising players who can make an immediate impact in Germany’s premier league. Campbell’s move represents a notable step in Elversberg’s strategy to bring in young, dynamic players who can help the team compete at the highest level. As the season approaches, Campbell will join his new teammates to help Elversberg adapt to the demands of life in the Bundesliga and aim to establish themselves as a competitive force in German football.