Kovac confirms Özcan’s late Champions League call-up | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund’s away game at VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon is no ordinary match for Salih Özcan, as the central midfielder played for the Wolves on loan during the first half of last season. Back at BVB, Özcan has seen relatively little playing time, but now, in what are likely his final months in Dortmund, he can still hope for appearances in the Champions League.

After weeks of speculation about a possible winter departure for Özcan, particularly regarding a move to the Süper Lig, it is now clear—despite the transfer window in Turkey still being open—that the 28-year-old will fulfill his contract, which runs until June 30, 2026. After that, he will most likely have to look for a new employer or, as a free agent, hope for lucrative offers.

In the second half of the season, Özcan—who so far this season has made seven brief appearances in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, totaling only around 30 minutes—can and wants to promote himself. The 27-time Turkish international, who could also have the prospect of World Cup participation if the play-offs in March are successful, now has the opportunity to do so not only on the national stage.

Kovac Promises More Playing Time

While Özcan was not included in Dortmund’s Champions League squad in the summer, coach Niko Kovac confirmed his addition during the press conference ahead of the match in Wolfsburg: “Yes, we will do that,” said the BVB coach, who already promised Özcan more playing time in general two weeks ago: “He is certainly a player who has come up far too short this season due to the competition. I can imagine and believe that he will get a lot more minutes in the future than in the first phase of the season.”

With the winter departure of Pascal Groß and Marcel Sabitzer currently sidelined with injury, Özcan has moved significantly closer to the starting eleven and can expect to see playing time again in Wolfsburg.

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