BVB facing big changes? Seven stars fighting for their future | OneFootball

Seven BVB players face an uncertain future. They must fight for new contracts by March – otherwise, they risk leaving Dortmund in the summer.

A turbulent summer is looming for Borussia Dortmund. After the club made only selective changes to the squad this year, a major overhaul could follow in 2026. No fewer than seven contracts are set to expire at the end of the season, affecting Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, Emre Can, Pascal Groß, Salih Özcan, Alexander Meyer, and loan player Aaron Anselmino.

According to Sport Bild, the club's management has set a clear course of action for all six permanently contracted players: an internal probation period is in place until March. During this time, the players must showcase their performances to earn a contract extension. Only then will BVB decide who can stay – and who will part ways.

The situations could hardly be more different. Despite occasional fluctuations in form, Julian Brandt is once again among the key players and can justifiably hope for a new contract. Similarly positive is the outlook for backup goalkeeper Alexander Meyer, who is considered a reliable number two and holds a high standing within the club.

BVB faces tricky personnel decisions: Brandt can hope, Süle is anxious

Captain Emre Can, on the other hand, is currently in a difficult phase. He has been sidelined for months due to an adductor injury. While the management values his commitment and leadership qualities, he must first regain full fitness before a decision on an extension is made.

The prospects are significantly worse for Niklas Süle and Pascal Groß. Both have lost their starting positions and have recently failed to consistently meet high expectations. Although they were allowed to start in the Bundesliga classic against FC Bayern (1:2), their chapter in Dortmund could end in the summer – also due to their age and relatively high salaries.

Salih Özcan is currently at the bottom of the hierarchy. The defensive midfielder is rarely used under coach Niko Kovac and is even considered a possible candidate for a winter departure.

According to club management, the principle of performance should consistently apply until spring. Only then will criteria such as susceptibility to injury, age, or salary structure be considered in the decisions. What seems certain is: while Brandt and Meyer have good chances, Süle, Groß, Can, and Özcan must fight for their future at BVB – and could become the first casualties of the upcoming squad overhaul in the summer.

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