Sebastian Rode has revealed he turned down Tottenham before signing a four-year deal with Borussia Dortmund, reports Sky Sports.
The 25-year-old became Dortmund's fourth signing of the summer on Monday.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will need to look elsewhere after Rode opted to join the club he supported as a boy, saying coach Thomas Tuchel was crucial in his decision.
Asked if Spurs had made him an offer, Rode told Germany newspaper Bild: "Yes, that's true. And I listened to it, but again: the transfer to BVB was a matter of the heart.
"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 talk with Tuchel before my signature. My decision that it can only be Dortmund was certain after that."