Fábio Silva Eyes World Cup Dream as BVB Minutes Dry Up
Former Las Palmas star Fábio Silva is struggling for playing time at Borussia Dortmund and could seek a January move to boost his Portugal World Cup hopes.
Fábio Silva Eyes World Cup Dream as BVB Minutes Dry Up
The Portuguese forward who lit up La Liga with Las Palmas last season is finding life at Borussia Dortmund a bit of a mare, with a January exit potentially on the cards.
From Spanish sensation to German frustration
Fábio Silva was proper box office for Las Palmas last term, wasn’t he? The 23-year-old Portuguese hitman bagged 10 goals and three assists in 25 appearances, establishing himself as one of the surprise packages in Spanish football. His absence through injury for the final six matches proved costly - Las Palmas lost the lot and took the drop to the second tier.
His stellar form earned him a €22.5 million move to Borussia Dortmund this summer, but things haven’t exactly gone according to plan in Germany:
- An adductor injury sidelined him for Dortmund’s first four matches
- He scored on his Champions League debut against Copenhagen
- Recent game time has dramatically decreased - just over 30 minutes across his last five appearances
- He was completely unused against Augsburg and Hamburg
World Cup dreams driving January thoughts
Silva’s international ambitions are no small potatoes. The former Porto youth product has been prolific at U21 level for Portugal, finishing as top scorer in European Championship qualifying with eight goals. He clearly believes he’s caught Roberto Martínez’s eye for the senior squad.
With the World Cup now his primary focus, Silva is reportedly considering his options for January if his situation at Signal Iduna Park doesn’t improve. As he told MARCA: “I think I’m making the most of the few minutes I’ve had.”
La Liga return on the cards?
According to reports, Spain and Italy are emerging as the likeliest destinations should Silva seek a winter move. A return to La Liga would make perfect sense for the forward - he speaks the language, understands the style, and has already proven he can deliver the goods in Spanish football.
The affection appears mutual too. Silva maintains strong connections with Las Palmas, describing the “special love” that developed between him and the supporters during his time in the Canary Islands.
For now, Silva continues grafting behind the scenes at Dortmund, but if things don’t change sharpish, don’t be surprised to see him back in Spanish football come February. The lure of that World Cup dream might just be the deciding factor.