Thomas Tuchel Reportedly Not Part of Borussia Dortmund's Alexander Isak Signing

Borussia Dortmund's capture of teenage striker Alexander Isak did not involve manager Thomas Tuchel, according to Sport Bild (h/t Mario de la Riva for AS). 

The German admitted he "found out very late" about the transfer, per Alex Richards for the Mirror.

The Swedish 17-year-old, signed for £8.6 million from AIK, is one of Europe's hottest talents, and Dortmund fended off interest from the likes of Real Madrid to secure his signature, as per Stephan Uersfeld for ESPN FC.

But it has emerged the German outfit failed to include Tuchel in the decision-making process, seemingly not consulting the manager before pursuing Isak. 

De la Riva said this has "caused some issues within the corridors of Borussia Dortmund," and that Tuchel does not have a close relationship with either BVB sporting director Michael Zorc or chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke.

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Tuchel confirmed on Wednesday that he was informed of the deal before it was completed but had little knowledge of Isak or Dortmund's interest until recently.

"I didn't know the player before, but it's also not my job to know every 17-year-old," Tuchel said, per Richards. 

"I found out very late that we signed him. I was told about the transfer last week and when he was introduced to me, the signing made 100 per cent sense for BVB."

Richards reported the way in which the Isak deal was completed puts the coach's long-term future in doubt. However, Tuchel has said that it was nothing out of the ordinary.

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"There are transfers to which I am completely involved and transfers like Isak, where the scouting and Michael Zorc do the big work—as was the case with Ousmane Dembele and Emre Mor," he said, per Richards.

It is difficult to see why Tuchel would have an issue with acquiring such a talented youngster, particularly given their poor performances in the league this season.

Dortmund are fourth in the Bundesliga, 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. They could do with an injection of youthful energy, and in Isak, they have again shown the world that young players want to play in black and yellow—as the Daily Mail's Huw Bonello pointed out on Twitter: 

Rumours surrounding Tuchel's role are likely to persist unless results improve, and being kept in the dark over key signings is not a good omen.