Dortmund’s sports director gives an update
BVB announces transfer decision
January 5, 2026 – 3:14 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
In the past, big names came to Borussia Dortmund in the winter. So far only departures are known. Does anything change?
Borussia Dortmund has decided not to sign any new players this winter. Sports director Sebastian Kehl explained at the training camp in Marbella that the focus was instead on releasing players by the end of the transfer deadline at the beginning of February. Kehl explained this on Monday without training: “In recent years we have often resorted to winter because on the one hand we were struggling with injuries. That’s different this year.”
In the past, the club has signed players like Daniel Svensson and Julian Ryerson after the turn of the year, who developed into regular players. The future world-class player Erling Haaland also came to Dortmund in a winter transfer.
Kehl emphasized that possible squad changes must be sensible and financially viable. “Of course we still want to get better. And we’re also thinking about whether we can do that on the squad side. But in the end it has to make sense, be financeable and fit into the structure,” he added.
BVB had already ruled out a replacement for Pascal Groß, who had returned to Brighton & Hove Albion. In addition to Cole Campbell, who was loaned out to TSG Hoffenheim, Julien Duranville could also be loaned out. The 19-year-old winger, who was signed from RSC Anderlecht three years ago for 8.5 million euros, has not yet made his breakthrough in Dortmund due to injuries. “And that’s why I’m in discussions, but there’s nothing that can be announced at the moment,” said Kehl. “It would definitely make sense for him to get more playing time.”