Present Uncertainty: Brandt Mulls BVB Exit Next Summer
- BVB's squad numbers are determined by Brandt's draw
Julian Brandt's upcoming years with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund remain inconclusive, as the 28-year-old midfielder reportedly ponders options for a potential transfer next summer. According to sources from Sky, Brandt's father and advisor, Jürgen, are part of the exploration process as well. Brandt's current contract with Dortmund runs until 2026, making a summer or winter transfer the only viable option for the club to generate a transfer fee.
Brandt, a 48-time national player, has adopted the iconic number 10 jersey for BVB this season. Deployed as a central playmaker, he ranks among the most experienced and longest-serving members of the current squad, having joined Dortmund in 2019 after a 25 million euro transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
Unfulfilled Leadership Role
Following the departures of Marco Reus and Mats Hummels last summer, Brandt was slated as a leader for the team. However, neither he nor the rest of the squad has impressed this Bundesliga season, resulting in a 10-point deficit from fourth place. While Champions League qualification appears slim with eight games left in the season, the club has progressed to the quarter-finals in the current Champions League season, with a highly-anticipated face-off with FC Barcelona in April.
Dortmund sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, potentially hinted at Brandt's uncertain future in the team when asked about his role in the future squad: "It's difficult to say amidst the current situation. Of course, we have a contract, but we're in a challenging position." This statement has led to assumed exit talks for Brandt, as well as uncertainty around the futures of Niklas Süle, Giovanni Reyna, and Salih Özcan, according to media reports, whose contracts also expire in 2026.
- Julian Brandt
- Sky
- BVB
- Future
- Football Bundesliga
- Dortmund
Insight:
Over the years, Brandt's performance has faced criticism, and his high wages relative to his current form have raised questions about his future at the club. As a result, the club has paused negotiations to extend his contract, which ends in 2026. To secure a renewal, Brandt may need to accept a salary reduction, considering his wages are high compared to his present performance. However, with a year remaining on his contract, convincing him to stay unless his form significantly improves seems unlikely.
There has been little interest from major foreign clubs, while only rumors of Aston Villa's potential interest circulated last summer. With his representatives actively exploring summer destinations, it appears Brandt is contemplating a departure. However, specific teams expressing interest in signing him have yet to be confirmed in recent reports.
1) Despite facing criticism for his performance and high wages over the years, Julian Brandt has yet to make a decision about his future at Borussia Dortmund, with his representatives actively exploring potential summer transfer destinations.
2) Sky sources have confirmed that Jürgen, Julian Brandt's father and advisor, is part of the process of exploring options for a potential transfer next summer, as Brandt is reportedly considering his future at the club.
3) With a year remaining on his contract and little interest from major foreign clubs, Julian Brandt may have to consider a salary reduction if he hopes to secure a contract renewal with Dortmund, especially because he is one of the most experienced and longest-serving members of the current squad, having joined them in 2019 after a €25 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
