Borussia Dortmund's Özcan Set for Wolfsburg Loan Switch amidst Team Changes
It appears that Borussia Dortmund's Turkish midfielder, Salih Özcan, is on the brink of a switch to VfL Wolfsburg. Insider reports suggest that Özcan, 26, who is bound to Dortmund until 2026, has bid his farewells to his teammates during recent training sessions. Reports further hint at a year-long loan deal without a buy-out clause for Özcan at Wolfsburg.
The upsurge of teammates like Pascal Groß and Emre Can has significantly decreased Özcan's chances of game time with Dortmund. Adding to his woes are preferred options in Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha, which has left Özcan struggling for a regular spot in coach Nuri Sahin's lineups. This was evident in the absence of Özcan from Dortmund's starting thirteen for matches against Phoenix Lübeck (4:1) and Eintracht Frankfurt (2:0). Despite a five million euro signing last summer, Özcan has struggled to secure a place in Dortmund's first team.
Faced with limited game time, Özcan may seek greener pastures in another German club, with a possible target being Wolfsburg. The presence of players like Pascal Groß and Emre Can in Dortmund has created a congestion in Özcan's position.
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- Injury Intervention: Much to the surprise of many, Dortmund recalled Özcan from his loan at Wolfsburg due to the extended absence of midfielder Felix Nmecha, who suffered a ligament injury. This injury has sidelined Nmecha for an extended period.[1][2][3]
- Midfield Reinforcement: With Nmecha out of the picture, Dortmund found themselves in the need of midfield reinforcements. Özcan's return provided that much-needed depth, allowing the club to start its search for Nmecha's eventual replacement.[1][2][3]
- Immediate Solution: As a matter of urgency, Dortmund acted swiftly, bringing Özcan back to the squad, as confirmed by interim coach Mike Tullberg.[3]
- Future Plans: With Özcan satiating Dortmund's midfield needs, it's unlikely the club will pursue additional midfielders in the winter transfer window. Instead, Dortmund is planning to sign a winger and a defender before the February 3rd transfer deadline.[2][4]
- Emerging Opportunities: Özcan's prospects of playing time have greatly improved upon his return to Dortmund, with the likelihood of more frequent starting appearances in sight.
