Cole Campbell: Elversberg's Unlikely Bundesliga Start and His Path Forward

Cole Campbell's initial weeks as a Bundesliga starter mirror the surprising narrative of SV Elversberg. In their first three matches of their maiden top-flight season, Elversberg defeated Bayer Leverkusen, came back from two goals down against Borussia Mönchengladbach, and narrowly lost to Bayern Munich.

Campbell has been central to these events. The young player shared insights about his team, his performance, and other key topics during a Bundesliga media roundtable. His progression stands out in the early stages of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.

The 20-year-old American scored in the historic 3-2 opening-day win over Leverkusen and has started all three league games on the left wing. Just a year after his prospects for consistent Bundesliga play at Borussia Dortmund seemed uncertain, Campbell now holds a significant role at a club built around providing opportunities for talented young footballers.

Elversberg's history of talent development played a role in Campbell's decision.

“They certainly informed me, and I researched it myself,” Campbell stated when asked about Elversberg’s track record. “When choosing a club, understanding its past achievements is vital. This naturally shapes your perception. I had extensive discussions with the coach and the sporting director regarding the club.”

These conversations ultimately convinced Campbell that Saarland was the right environment to reignite a career that had stalled.

“They outlined their strategy and the club's ethos,” Campbell elaborated. “Seeing other players who moved there, gained playing time, and made significant career advancements is beneficial. It influenced my decision to join. I needed a club that believed in me, offering the necessary support to reach my full potential.”

Campbell Finds His Bundesliga Opportunity at Elversberg

Campbell's journey to this point has been complex. Born in Houston, the winger joined Dortmund at 16, having spent part of his early football development in Iceland, his mother's homeland. His speed and ability in one-on-one situations marked him as a promising attacking talent within the BVB system.

He made his senior debut during the 2024/25 season. The following summer, however, brought increased uncertainty. Campbell sought regular Bundesliga minutes and was close to a move to Stuttgart, but the transfer fell through.

A tactical preview for the 2025/26 Borussia Dortmund season expressed doubt about Campbell's readiness for a substantial first-team role after a quiet preseason. This concern proved accurate. Campbell saw minimal playing time early in the campaign and was reportedly dropped from Dortmund’s matchday squad in December due to concerns about his training performance.

Although reinstated shortly after, a clear path forward remained elusive. Dortmund eventually loaned Campbell to Hoffenheim in January, with an option to buy, but the move did not lead to a permanent transfer.

This summer, Elversberg reportedly invested €6 million in Campbell, making him their most significant individual signing in an ambitious recruitment drive focused almost exclusively on young talent. Campbell’s arrival was not just about his transfer fee.

He earned his spot.

Campbell was identified as one of the players who showed the most promise during Elversberg’s preseason training. He hit the post, assisted Luca Schnellbacher's goal, and scored himself in an impressive 4-1 friendly win over Lorient. By the end of preseason, Campbell had secured the left-wing position.

The appeal was clear. Coach Vincent Wagner sought a direct attacker capable of driving at defenders and creating chances, rather than just maintaining possession. Campbell desired the freedom to do just that.

Wagner's 'Bravery' Empowers Campbell's Attack

Elversberg's remarkable start highlights the seamless fit between players and the system. Few anticipated the newly promoted team would begin the season with six points from matches against Leverkusen and Gladbach.

“Our initial expectations were the opposite of what we’ve demonstrated,” Campbell said about his team’s surprising start. “Winning against a club like Bayer Leverkusen was incredible. Then, coming back from behind against Gladbach, a formidable team, was amazing. Against Bayern, while we didn’t get the result we wanted, I believe we played well collectively. These first three games have been outstanding.”

These results also validated Wagner’s commitment to the style of play that brought Elversberg to the Bundesliga. Following the historic win against Leverkusen, Wagner consistently stressed that “brave football” was more than a tactical preference.

According to the coach, courageous play in possession and aggressive defending are Elversberg’s only viable strategies for staying competitive in the German top flight. The dramatic comeback in Gladbach reinforced this. Campbell interprets Wagner’s repeated emphasis on bravery in his own way.

“Bravery stems from trusting your teammates and yourself,” Campbell explained, referring to Wagner’s well-known directive. “For an offensive player, it means not hesitating to engage in one-on-one situations. It’s about taking risks rather than being deterred by an opponent’s reputation.”

Campbell Builds Connections On and Off the Pitch

Trust among teammates is naturally fostered when it genuinely exists. Campbell speaks highly of the developing relationships within a squad comprised of promotion heroes, permanent young signings, and promising loan players. The strong bonds Campbell has formed with numerous teammates likely contribute to Elversberg's unexpected early success.

Several of these relationships have a clear tactical significance.

“Moki [David Mokwa] and I are very close, both on and off the field,” Campbell said when asked about teammates with whom he shares a special connection. “Lasse Günther, our left-back, and I have a strong understanding. Building that connection with him has been positive. The same applies to our midfielder, [Lukasz] Poręba.”

Günther plays directly behind Campbell on the left flank, while Poręba is a key element in Wagner’s possession-based game. However, these connections extend beyond players immediately next to Campbell on the field.

“Off the field, I’m also very close with Kratti [Maurice Krattenmacher] and Schnelli [Luca Schnellbacher],” Campbell added. “I really like him [Schnellbacher]; he’s fantastic. I’m also close with other players like Francis [Onyeka] and Noel [Futkeu]. I’d say, honestly, we’re a very cohesive team. We have a diverse group, and everyone gets along well.”

This unity is crucial for an Elversberg team that relies heavily on players still in the early stages of their careers. Campbell, Krattenmacher, Onyeka, and Noah Darvich were all highlighted in preseason analysis as part of the young attacking contingent expected to elevate the club's technical level.

Campbell on Germany: Schnitzel, Coffee, and the Autobahn

Campbell has already spent a significant part of his formative football years in Germany, but the adjustment wasn't instantaneous.

“I enjoy life here,” Campbell commented on his experience in Germany. “The food is excellent, especially the schnitzel, although I can’t eat it too often due to its healthiness. In my free time, I like visiting coffee shops and exploring the city. My favorite aspect of Germany is the Autobahn, allowing for fast driving. Life here is quite good, especially after learning the language; it was challenging before that.”

“The fans and the atmosphere here are absolutely incredible,” Campbell continued. “Even here in Elversberg, the fans are amazing. The supporters of most teams in the Bundesliga are fantastic.”

Campbell's Footballing Foundation Was at Home

Football was integral to Campbell’s life long before his experiences in Iceland, Dortmund, Hoffenheim, or Elversberg. His mother, Rakel Karvelsson, represented Iceland internationally. Campbell considers having a former international footballer in his family an invaluable asset.

“My mother possesses extensive football knowledge,” Campbell responded when asked about his mother. “Having a mother who played football is wonderful. I can also train with her, which is enjoyable.”

“Yes, she used to challenge me to two-touch drills,” Campbell replied to a follow-up question about training with his mother. “She doesn’t win as often now, but when I was younger, she used to beat me. That was about seven years ago, when I was 13. By 14 or 15, she started losing.”

Campbell Avoids Pulisic and Reyna Comparisons

Given his nationality and time at Dortmund, comparisons to the two most prominent Americans who played for the club before him – Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna – are inevitable. Pulisic developed into a USMNT star at Dortmund before moving to Chelsea, followed by Reyna's multi-season spell.

Campbell knows Reyna personally.

“Gio and I are friends,” Campbell stated when asked about comparisons to former USMNT Dortmund stars Giovanni Reyna and Christian Pulisic. “While being compared to great players is positive, I don’t really focus on the comparisons. As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy.”

This response is fitting given Campbell's current situation. His Dortmund career did not unfold like Pulisic's or Reyna's. Instead, Campbell's path involved a failed transfer, extended periods on the fringes, a brief disciplinary issue, a loan that didn't become permanent, and ultimately, a move to the smallest club currently in Germany's top flight.

Elversberg appealed to him precisely because the club didn't offer him someone else's career trajectory.

They offered him his own.

Three Bundesliga matches are not definitive proof of future success. Elversberg will face challenging periods. Campbell will encounter tougher defenders, lose one-on-one battles, and will undoubtedly experience moments learning the unforgiving nature of the Bundesliga.

This is where Wagner's approach to bravery becomes relevant. Campbell sought playing time, support, and an environment where development was possible despite mistakes. Elversberg wanted a winger willing to attack defenders without hesitation.

For now, both appear to have found what they were seeking.