Options across Europe – will Salih Özcan leave this winter? | OneFootball

Not even registered for the Champions League, Salih Özcan has had to settle for three brief appearances in the Bundesliga and a substitution in the first round of the cup so far this season. While the defensive midfielder, who hasn’t set foot on the field since September 21, is clearly no longer playing a significant role at Borussia Dortmund, there are reportedly interested parties from various countries.

According to Turkish transfer expert and sports journalist Ekrem Konur, Özcan—who in the past was mainly linked with the top clubs from Istanbul—is now attracting interest not only in Turkey but also in Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1. Clubs from these leagues are apparently considering a winter move for Özcan, whose departure from Dortmund in January—six months before his contract expires on June 30, 2026—is considered likely.

Özcan also a topic in Cologne?

BVB would probably not stand in the way of Özcan, who faces overwhelming competition in central midfield from Pascal Groß, Felix Nmecha, Jobe Bellingham, Julian Brandt, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcel Sabitzer, and possibly soon again Emre Can, if he wishes to leave. In fact, Borussia would likely welcome the chance to save the remaining salary and ideally even receive a transfer fee.

When a decision will be made remains open. Likewise, which clubs will make a concrete move. It is at least conceivable that 1. FC Köln, BVB’s opponent this Saturday, could consider bringing Özcan back. The Cologne native, who moved from the “Billy Goats” to Dortmund in 2022, still maintains good contacts in his hometown and with his youth club.

This would be especially relevant if Eric Martel, currently a fixture in Cologne’s midfield, signals that he will not extend his expiring contract, making a return of Özcan to FC a possible topic.

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