Levi Rothermund
Reports emerged earlier this week from Bild indicating that Borussia Dortmund had offered midfielder Julian Brandt a contract extension. However, recent developments suggest a significant U-turn. The German outlet now claims that the 29-year-old’s departure from BVB is highly probable, citing the club’s doubts over his inconsistent performances.
Brandt’s Performance and Value
Brandt, who joined Dortmund in 2019, is currently the longest-serving professional in the squad. A start in Saturday’s match against 1. FC Köln would place him among the top 20 players with the most appearances for the Schwarz-Gelben. His statistics — 56 goals and 68 assists in 297 matches — are impressive, especially considering he has contributed to at least 15 goals in each of the last four Bundesliga seasons.
His undeniable talent on his good days is evident in these figures, but consistency remains his biggest challenge. With an annual salary of 8 million euros gross, Brandt is one of Dortmund’s top earners. It’s unlikely he would accept a pay cut for an extension. Moreover, with a market value of 20 million euros, he is the most valuable Bundesliga player whose contract expires in 2026. Persistent rumors link him to Premier League club Aston Villa, which would mark his first overseas venture.
Dortmund’s Stance on Player Sales
The potential squad overhaul at BVB has been a frequent topic in the media. Bild previously reported that Dortmund was prepared to sell Julian Ryerson for 30 million euros. However, Sporting Director Lars Ricken vehemently denied these claims on Friday.
“Absolute nonsense. Julian is an absolute key player, a mentality monster, who also gives our set-pieces incredible danger with his quality. We have no intention of letting him go. Certainly not for such a relatively small sum, considering his abilities.”
This denial underscores the club’s intent to retain core players, even as discussions around Brandt’s future intensify. The stark contrast in reports suggests an intriguing period for Borussia Dortmund and its squad composition.