BVB is pushing ahead with squad changes – Paris Brunner about to leave?

Eight contracts are expiring

While Borussia Dortmund is fighting for the premier class in the Bundesliga, sports director Sebastian Kehl is pushing ahead with the squad shake-up for the coming season. “With a view to the contract structure in the squad, we will certainly push for changes in the summer. How active we become on the transfer market obviously also depends on our economic conditions. If, like in previous years, we qualify for the Champions League early, that will certainly help us in our planning,” said the 43-year-old to “Sport Bild”.

For a total of eight players, the working papers expire at the end of the season. According to the magazine, the BVB bosses want to wait until spring to assess the condition of the individual players. Current trend: Mats Hummels (35) has another one-year contract, Marco Reus (34) is more likely to say goodbye. While Thomas Meunier (32) will soon be leaving BVB for Trabzonspor, Marius Wolf (28) and Mateu Morey (23) should be given a chance: If one can convince in the second half of the season, an extension would still be possible. Antonios Papadopoulos (24), on the other hand, has wanted to leave for a long time.

The efforts to secure the loan duo Jadon Sancho (23) and Ian Maatsen (21) will also be difficult. “With Jadon and Ian we have gained two great guys who are increasing our quality. “Unfortunately, purchase options for both players could not be implemented,” said Kehl. Although Maatsen secured a release clause as part of the move to Dortmund and the extension at Chelsea, it is said to be between 35 million and 40 million euros – too much for Borussia. BVB will not pull the clause, writes “Sport Bild”. Kehl must hope for financial concessions from the Blues.

The situation is similar with Sancho, where BVB also relies on the player’s will. The attacker is expected to earn between 15 million and 20 million euros a year at Manchester United, depending on bonuses, and would therefore have to give up around half of his salary to stay. With up to 10 million euros, he would still be one of the top earners in Dortmund. Without Sancho’s vehement desire to change, the chances that the “Red Devils” would accommodate BVB in terms of transfer fees would decrease.

Despite the extension of Giovanni Reyna (21), the US international remains a sales candidate, according to the report, even after his return from Nottingham Forest in the summer. The new contract could increase the possible transfer fee again. Royal Antwerp, on the other hand, has a purchase option for Soumaïla Coulibaly (20), while talent Tom Rothe (19) is impressive in the 2nd league at Holstein Kiel and could provide greater competition on the left side of defense at BVB from the summer.

Despite the constant criticism of his fitness level and the demand for a significant increase in performance, Niklas Süle (28) will not leave BVB under any circumstances, according to “Sport Bild”. He has already communicated this to those responsible. There are currently no plans to say goodbye to Donyell Malen (25), who was considered a sales candidate. Only a very lucrative offer could lead to a rethink, but there was no concrete offer in the winter. Requests for a loan were not even discussed internally.

BVB talent Brunner expects a high salary for his first professional contract

Meanwhile, BVB has to fight for the young talents Paris Brunner (17), Kjell Wätjen (17) and Cole Campbell (17), whose funding contracts expire in 2025. Negotiations are particularly difficult with U17 world champion Brunner, who was voted the best player of the tournament. Father Norbert Brunner is said to have already spoken to a Serie A club in Italy about a transfer. In addition to positive sporting headlines, Brunner had made negative comments about himself, especially off the pitch, and repeatedly revealed disciplinary problems, which culminated in a temporary suspension.

According to the “Ruhr NewsBrunner stopped training with the professionals last week and is said to have not completely impressed with the U19 team. According to “Sport Bild”, the players are demanding very high payments in order to sign a professional contract. The first salary of around 500,000 euros per year for a young professional is not enough for Brunner. BVB is ready to entice players with an increase if the offensive talent is used regularly.

Beyond that, Borussia sees itself well positioned for the future. “Last year we extended the contracts of many important players: we were able to retain Julian Brandt (until 2026; editor), Gregor Kobel (until 2028) and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (until 2028) in the long term. It’s not just because of them that we have a strong core with which we can plan for the medium and long term,” said Kehl. A total of 16 BVB professionals are tied until 2026 or longer.

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