In search of a club: these ex-BVB stars are now without one | OneFootball

International caps, appearances in European competitions, stars in the Bundesliga: and yet they are now without a contract. Since July 1, 2026, numerous professionals have been searching for a new employer. Some former Borussia Dortmund stars are also currently without a club.

Julian Brandt (30) made a total of 309 appearances for BVB since 2019. The attacking midfielder scored 57 goals and set up another 70. With 48 international caps and two World Cup appearances, the Bremen-born player has extensive international experience. Galatasaray Istanbul as well as various clubs from Spain (Atlético Madrid) and England (Leeds United) are said to be interested.

Raphael Guerreiro (32) most recently laced up his boots for Bayern Munich. From 2016 to 2023, the 65-time Portugal international made 224 appearances in all competitions for the Black and Yellows (40 goals, 50 assists). At times there has been speculation about a return to his homeland (Benfica), while Bayer Leverkusen is also considered a possible new club for the attack-minded left-back.

Salih Özcan's time without a club appears to be nearing an end. The 28-year-old ball-winning midfielder is said to have decided on a move to Besiktas Istanbul. The World Cup participant made 96 appearances for BVB (two assists).

In action at the World Cup

Mahmoud “Mo” Dahoud (30) was most recently active for Eintracht Frankfurt. The two-time Germany international enjoyed his most successful years in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. In 2021, he won the DFB-Pokal with the Westphalians and was in the starting lineup for the 4–1 final win over RB Leipzig. His BVB record: 141 appearances with 5 goals and 17 assists. There are vague rumors of a move to North America's Major League Soccer (MLS).

Maximilian Philipp played two seasons for the Westphalians. Between 2017 and 2019, the now 32-year-old striker made 51 appearances for Borussia. The 2017 U21 European champion scored eleven times for Dortmund. Philipp, who most recently played for SC Freiburg, also provided eight assists. The Berlin native has been linked with a return to his hometown club Union. But no move has materialized so far.

Photo: imago images

Thomas Meunier is currently in action for Belgium at the World Cup. The now 34-year-old right-back recently departed OSC Lille. He has now increased his international tally to 83 caps. He also took to the pitch exactly 83 times for BVB between 2020 and 2024. Premier League newcomers Hull City are considered interested.

Meunier's compatriot Axel Witsel is also not thinking about retirement yet despite being 37. The man with the distinctive curly hair most recently played in Spain, where he was relegated with Girona. He has 145 matches and 19 goal involvements to his name for the Black and Yellows. The midfielder is also part of Belgium’s World Cup squad, but has yet to make an appearance.

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