Sebastian Rode Chooses Dortmund over Tottenham

Sebastian Rode, a central/defensive midfielder who played for Bayern Munich last season, has rejected Tottenham Hotspur’s offer to join Borussia Dortmund instead, citing it was down to his heart and playing for Thomas Tuchel.

With Mousa Dembélé still set to miss the opening four games of the 2016-17 Premier League season because of his eye poke on Chelsea striker, Diego Costa, and Eric Dier playing in 37 out of 38 league games, Mauricio Pochettino has been on the lookout for depth at both central midfield positions.

Unfortunately for the Argentine manager, one of his choices to fill either role has decided to stay in Germany than make the move to England and play in the Premier League according to German newspaper, Bild.

Asked whether he received an offer from Tottenham, Rode did, but his choice was already made after talking to Thomas Tuchel and following his heart.

"“Yes, that’s true. And I listened to it, but again, the transfer to BVB was a matter of the heart,” Sebastian Rode said (via Sky Sports).“I’ve known Tuchel since he was a youth coach at Mainz back when I still played for Offenbacher Kickers.”“I had very, very convincing talks with Tuchel before my signature. My decision that it can only be Dortmund was certain after that.”"

Sebastian Rode of Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Koln and FC Bayern Munich on March 19, 2016 at the RheinEnergieStadion in Koln, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

Sebastian Rode, a German midfielder who has yet to be called up to the senior national team, last making his debut for Germany’s Under-21 team, made 17 appearances in all competitions with 15 coming in the Bundesliga for the reigning champions, Bayern Munich.

At just 25-years-old, Rode was mostly a bench option that came in 12 times with his other three appearances being starts.

Not much is really known about the central midfielder, even on his Transfermarkt profile page other than the fact that he would be an ideal backup player for either Eric Dier or Mousa Dembélé.

More from Hotspur HQ

Signing Sebastian Rode for the simple fact that he can play both central midfield positions, and is just 25 — despite not getting much playing time last season compared to his 2014-15 campaign — would have been a good move.

Rode could have been this summer’s Kevin Wimmer.

A player that wouldn’t have played many games except for cup competitions, but should an injury or suspension occur to Dier and Dembélé, or they need rest, Sebastian Rode could have stepped in right away.

It’d be too much to ask that Rode could step in like Wimmer did, and keep up with the rest of the team and even make them play better if Tottenham doesn’t have Eric Dier or Mousa Dembélé for a game or two, or more.

But with no real backup at either position, Pochettino needed someone.

Next: Walker Backs Tottenham's Kane as England's Main Striker

With Sebastian Rode off the market by joining Borussia Dortmund, central midfield still needs to be upgraded. At the moment Spurs are in constant talks with AZ Alkmaar’s Vincent Janssen, so any other negotiations is being put on hold for now.

While Tottenham couldn’t sign the German midfielder, it’s good to see that the team is looking for depth after finding out which areas needs to be improved. Striker is one position that needs help, central midfield is the other.