Fabio Silva’s Struggles at Borussia Dortmund: A Career at a Crossroads

Fabio Silva’s transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Borussia Dortmund was anticipated to mark a turning point in his career, which has been characterized by four loan spells across various European clubs. The Bundesliga side invested over €20 million (£17.5 million) in the Portuguese international, securing him with a long-term contract until 2030, indicating their confidence in his potential.

However, the early signs of Silva’s tenure in Dortmund have been less than promising. An injury discovered during his medical examination has limited his integration into coach Niko Kovac’s plans. The 23-year-old has only made nine appearances this season, totaling roughly 100 minutes on the pitch, most of which have been brief substitute appearances—one notably lasting just two minutes in a 3-3 draw against Stuttgart, a situation that reportedly left him feeling disillusioned. Given Wolverhampton’s own difficulties in attack, it has even been suggested that Silva might have enjoyed more playing time had he remained in the Premier League.

With aspirations to be part of Portugal’s World Cup squad next year, Silva’s concerns about his lack of playing opportunities are growing. Reports from Sky Germany indicate that he is contemplating a “lightning-fast exit” in January, despite having only joined Dortmund in late August. Although no formal discussions with the club’s management have occurred, it is believed that Silva’s representatives are exploring alternative options as frustration mounts.

This desire to leave reflects a recurring theme in Silva’s career, where he has struggled to find an environment conducive to his development. After signing with Wolves in 2020 as one of Europe’s most promising young talents, he has struggled to justify his £35 million transfer fee. Following stints at Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven, Rangers, and Las Palmas, only his time in Spain seemed to promise a breakthrough. Even then, negotiations for a permanent transfer fell through due to demands from his camp that deterred potential suitors.

Dortmund was expected to be a pivotal moment—a club renowned for cultivating young talent and providing forwards with a platform to excel. Unfortunately, his arrival coincided with increased competition in an already saturated attacking lineup, thereby restricting his opportunities, even when fully fit. Coach Kovac has publicly acknowledged Silva’s positive attitude, stating, “Overall, I’m very satisfied with Fabio. However, we have many quality players up front… I hope we’ll see more of him in the near future.” Yet, decisions made on matchdays continue to raise questions about Silva’s standing within the team.

The international aspect adds another layer to Silva’s predicament. After making his senior debut for Portugal last year and receiving commendations from national team coach Roberto Martinez—who suggested that strong club performance could secure Silva a World Cup spot—he has since not returned to the national squad.

Silva’s challenges have been exacerbated by the limited role he has played in Dortmund’s tactical setup. He has managed to score only once, netting a substitute goal in a 4-2 DFB-Pokal victory over Copenhagen. His sparse appearances have hindered his ability to develop chemistry with his new teammates. His early weeks in Germany were also disrupted by an injury identified during his medical, further complicating his integration and momentum.

This scenario mirrors Silva’s previous experiences after leaving Porto at 18, where he navigated various leagues and playing styles, each requiring distinct physical and tactical adaptations. Spain appeared to suit him best, particularly at Las Palmas, where his link-up play and movement were effectively utilized; however, a permanent transfer did not materialize due to extended negotiations.

While Dortmund seemed like an attractive option on paper, it has thus far turned into another temporary phase rather than the stable foundation he desperately needs. The depth in their attacking lineup and the reliance on established forwards have relegated Silva to the sidelines.

A loan move in January is increasingly plausible unless Dortmund can offer a clear pathway to more regular playing time. Interest is likely to emerge from clubs in Spain, where he performed well last season, and potentially in Portugal, providing Silva with several viable exit routes. Although his long-term contract gives Dortmund leverage, accommodating his need for meaningful minutes may be the only way to avert further discontent.

Despite his yearning for involvement in the 2026 World Cup, the likelihood of Silva being selected for Martinez’s Portugal squad appears slim unless his performance reaches world-class standards or the national team experiences a significant injury crisis.