DORTMUND, Germany – Julian Brandt will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a seven-year spell with the club. The news, while not entirely unexpected, adds another layer of complexity to Dortmund’s planning for the 2026-27 campaign as they navigate contract situations with key players like Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can.
The departure of the attacking midfielder opens up a significant void in the BVB squad, and the club will likely be active in the transfer market to find a suitable replacement. Brandt, who joined Dortmund in 2019 from Bayer Leverkusen, has been a consistent performer, contributing goals and assists, and providing a creative spark in midfield. His decision comes as Dortmund prepares for a crucial period, both domestically and in European competition.
Schlotterbeck’s Future Remains Uncertain
Amidst the Brandt news, Borussia Dortmund is also working to secure the future of German international defender Nico Schlotterbeck. Several major European clubs are reportedly interested in the center-back, creating a potentially challenging situation for the Bundesliga side. However, according to sporting director Lars Ricken, the financial savings from Brandt’s departure will not be a determining factor in negotiations with Schlotterbeck. “I don’t think that will influence Nico’s decision,” Ricken stated, as reported by Ruhr24. [https://www.ruhr24.de/bvb/bvb-kapitaen-26-27-emre-can-nachfolger-waldemar-anton-kandidat-nico-schlotterbeck-borussia-dortmund-94195303.html]
Schlotterbeck has become a key figure in Dortmund’s defense since joining the club, and his ability to play out from the back makes him a valuable asset. Losing him would represent a significant setback for coach Niko Kovac, particularly given the team’s ambitions in the Champions League and the Bundesliga. The defender recently returned to the squad after a muscle injury, featuring in training and being available for selection in upcoming matches. [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/schlotterbeck-back-dortmund-squad-atalanta-185822686.html]
Can Set to Receive Contract Extension Offer
Borussia Dortmund also intends to offer a contract extension to Emre Can, despite the midfielder currently recovering from a serious knee injury. Can suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the recent *Klassiker* against Bayern Munich, sidelining him for a significant period. Despite the severity of the injury, the club recognizes Can’s importance to the team’s stability, and leadership.
“We will make him an offer,” Ricken confirmed, adding that the club is awaiting the outcome of Can’s surgery before finalizing the details. [https://www.ruhr24.de/bvb/bvb-kapitaen-26-27-emre-can-nachfolger-waldemar-anton-kandidat-nico-schlotterbeck-borussia-dortmund-94195303.html] Can’s experience and versatility make him a valuable squad member, and Dortmund clearly spot him as someone who can continue to contribute, even after returning from a lengthy layoff. He was recently included in the squad for the Champions League play-off return leg against Atalanta, though his availability remains uncertain. [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/schlotterbeck-part-dortmund-squad-trip-150500458.html]
Champions League Focus and Bundesliga Title Race
The contract situations of Schlotterbeck and Can are unfolding against the backdrop of a busy schedule for Borussia Dortmund. The club is currently competing in the Champions League, having won the first leg of their play-off tie against Atalanta 2-0. The return leg is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th, and Dortmund will be looking to secure their place in the last 16 of the competition. A win would see them face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the next round.
Domestically, Dortmund is also in contention for the Bundesliga title, currently trailing league leaders Bayern Munich. A crucial match against Bayern awaits Dortmund on Saturday, March 1st, a game that could significantly impact the title race. The return of both Can and Schlotterbeck to fitness provides a boost to coach Kovac’s squad, although their match fitness will demand to be carefully managed. [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/schlotterbeck-back-dortmund-squad-atalanta-185822686.html]
The club is also dealing with some fan disruption, as some Dortmund supporters have been prevented from attending the Atalanta match by Italian authorities due to concerns about potential clashes. Despite this, Kovac expects a good atmosphere in Bergamo. [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/schlotterbeck-back-dortmund-squad-atalanta-185822686.html]
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be pivotal for Borussia Dortmund, both on and off the pitch. The club must navigate the Champions League play-off, compete in the Bundesliga title race, and resolve the contract situations of key players. The departure of Julian Brandt represents a loss, but Dortmund will be hoping to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window. The focus now shifts to securing Champions League qualification and challenging for domestic honors, with the hope of building a successful future at Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund’s next confirmed action is their Champions League play-off second leg against Atalanta on Wednesday, February 26th. Following that, they face a critical Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich on Saturday, March 1st.
What do you think? Will Dortmund be able to overcome these challenges and achieve success this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
