Future uncertain: defensive star facing BVB exit? | OneFootball

A Borussia Dortmund defender faces an uncertain future. Injuries and his high salary could now become his downfall.

Niklas Süle apparently stands at the end of his time in the black and yellow jersey at Borussia Dortmund. The central defender was signed on a free transfer from FC Bayern in the summer of 2022 and was considered a great hope for the future at the time. But since his arrival, the 30-year-old has rarely been able to meet expectations—due in no small part to his susceptibility to injuries.

This season has also been anything but smooth so far. After Süle already missed a long period last season due to ankle problems and a syndesmosis ligament tear, a muscle injury in his calf has recently sidelined him. As a result, the 49-time international has not played a single minute this season.

The WAZ therefore assumes that Süle will have to leave BVB at the end of the season. His current contract runs until June 2026, but an extension seems unlikely at this point. “We have several players with expiring contracts, that’s not a problem at all, it can even help us. Every player now has the chance to prove themselves in the coming months—of course,” explained sporting director Sebastian Kehl in Sport Bild.

Borussia Dortmund apparently planning without Niklas Süle

The 45-year-old further emphasized: “Fundamentally: Just because you extend contracts doesn’t mean you have to do so on the same terms. Every one of our players has the chance to recommend themselves for a new contract.”

However, in Süle’s case, there are several arguments against it. On the one hand, the defender’s injury history is a risk. On the other hand, with an annual salary of around 14 million euros, he is one of the top earners in the squad. Only a drastic salary reduction and a strongly performance-based contract model could still secure his future in Dortmund.

While Süle’s prospects seem bleak, his also-injured teammate Emre Can at least appears to have a better standing at the Ruhr club. The captain enjoys high regard, although he too has to fight for his future. Both professionals have contracts until 2026, both are among the top earners. But the chances of an extension currently look better for Emre Can than for Niklas Süle.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.