Uncertain future as EIGHT Borussia Dortmund senior players will enter the final season of their contracts | OneFootball

When players prepare for their final season at a club, one of two things usually happens. A club will either offer a contract renewal, ensuring the player will remain for the foreseeable future, or the club may seek an exit for their player, actively searching for potential suitors. Allowing a player to see out their contract to completion can lead to the player departing on a free transfer, which does little to help the parent club besides freeing up wages. In Borussia Dortmund’s case, decisions must be made about eight different players who have contracts expiring in June, 2026.

First up is Sebastian Haller, who is currently underwhelming at Dutch side Utrecht. While he was once Dortmund’s record signing striker, the Ivorian had his career derailed by a cancer diagnosis soon after joining BVB. While he’s made a successful recovery and returned to professional football, it’s clear Haller no longer possesses the quality required of a Dortmund striker. I see little potential of a transfer, and think another season on loan is what likely lies in store for Haller.

Alexander Meyer’s contract renewal should be a formality. Meyer has been a reliable understudy to Gregor Kobel, filling in when the Swiss International is injured. Even with the recent signing of young talent, Daint Ramaj, Meyer should still have a place in this squad unless he’s recruited by another Bundesliga side to be their starting keeper.

Niklas Süle and Borussia Dortmund find themselves in a precarious position. Süle’s wages are astronomical but he’s fallen far below expectations since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022. The German has made just eight Bundesliga appearances this season, and has barely played under new trainer, Niko Kovač. I expect BVB to try offloading Süle this summer, but his wages will remain the biggest barrier to a successful transfer.

Giovanni Reyna was a promising teenager, and looked to be a face of Borussia Dortmund’s future after he scored seven in in twenty-two appearances for BVB in the 2022-23 season. Yet this is his second consecutive poor season, having found the net only twice since the conclusion of that aforementioned breakout season.

Sahil Özcan never seemed like the right answer to Dortmund’s midfield problems, so he was shipped out to Wolfsburg on loan this season before being recalled in January due to Dortmund’s poor performances. While he adds some depth to the team and consumes low wages comparatively, Özcan lacks the quality to be a difference-maker on the pitch. I expect him to seek a permanent exit this summer.

Pascal Groß was just signed last summer, but on a short, two-season contract. The thirty-three-year-old brings quality and stability to the midfield, but his lack of pace and age make it unlikely he will see an extended contract. I expect Groß to remain at Dortmund this summer, and if his performances are strong next fall, then he will likely see a one-year extension.

Julian Brandt is in a tough position being the club’s senior-most player. He’s made 181 appearances and scored 34 since joining in 2019. He’s been one of Dortmund’s best, most consistent players of the last half-decade, but not this season. Brandt has struggled for form all season, and the pressures of leadership seem to have weighed him down. I’m not ready to give up on the talented German, but he will need a stark improvement next fall if he hopes for an extension.

Last, but certainly not least, is our Captain Emre Can. While he’s been mistake-prone this season and last, the German has also become a vital component of Niko Kovač central defense. I think an extension for Emre Can will only be possible should Niko Kovač remain manager next season. Should BVB see a new manager, they will likely bring with them a new vision. I’m not inherently against extending Emre Can, but Borussia Dortmund needs change, and any new contract should strip him of the Captaincy. Emre Can could still have a role to play, but as Captain there is too much pressure to start him every match. If the club is to reshuffle and regroup, then a new captain is necessary.