Dortmund May Hold Buy-Back Clause on Rising Star Paris Brunner

Borussia Dortmund could hold a buy-back clause on Paris Brunner, according to Sky sources close to the clubs involved in the striker’s summer move. The broadcaster cites two independent contacts confirming a “theoretical possibility” exists within the deal that sent the forward to AS Monaco, though neither the financial terms nor the contractual deadline have been disclosed. Brunner signed with the principality club on a contract running through summer 2028.

The 20-year-old is enjoying a career surge in Ligue 1, building on the pedigree he showed as an Under-17 World Cup and European champion during his time in Borussia Dortmund‘s academy. Across his first seven competitive appearances for AS Monaco, Brunner has already scored six goals. His momentum carried into the international stage last Saturday, when he netted twice in Germany’s Under-21 side’s 4-0 win over Latvia in European Championship qualifying.

Brunner never broke into Dortmund’s senior squad despite years in the pipeline. Fierce competition for attacking spots, paired with recurring disciplinary issues, led to the two parties splitting in the summer of 2024.

Ricken reflects on the decision to let Brunner go

BVB sporting managing director Lars Ricken addressed the situation in an interview with Bild, acknowledging the forward’s pedigree while defending the club’s stance at the time.

“He did become an Under-17 world and European champion, after all. You simply have to give these players the necessary time as well. I don’t know whether he could have made this development with us too, also with the top strikers in his position that we had.”

“He should simply do his job well there and then I believe he still has a really good career ahead of him. The doors are not closed for Paris, but I don’t think that is the issue right now.”

Klopp keeps tabs on the Dortmund-born talent

Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp also praised Brunner’s form as part of the national squad nomination process, signaling the striker is firmly on the DFB radar.

“I haven’t spoken to him, but of course we keep track of everything. I know Paris,” said Klopp, adding that Brunner has done “really brilliantly in recent weeks” on the footballing side.

Discipline still shadows Brunner’s rise

A separate incident keeps drawing attention to the striker’s off-field conduct. In mid-September, Brunner picked up a two-match suspension following Monaco’s 1-1 draw at Strasbourg after celebrating a goal with a throat-slitting gesture.

Ricken didn’t hold back on the matter, urging the young forward to let his football do the talking.

“That’s why I think something like that is unnecessary as well. Let your actions speak. Everyone is talking about his successes right now, now he is even being linked with the national team. I think that is what he should define himself by. Not by gestures like that.”

Brunner remains occupied with Germany’s Under-21 side during the current international break, with qualification fixtures against Malta on Wednesday and Georgia on 6 October still on the calendar. Whether the buy-back clause ever comes into play remains to be seen, but Dortmund fans have every reason to keep watching his progress. Stay with TipsGG for continued coverage on Brunner and the transfer market surrounding him.