Ricken confirms departure: Brandt to leave BVB this summer | OneFootball

After Borussia Dortmund's 2-1 away victory at 1. FC Cologne, BVB Managing Director Lars Ricken confirmed an important personnel decision. Julian Brandt will leave the club on a free transfer next summer after seven years.

Borussia Dortmund and Julian Brandt will part ways after the current season. Following the 2-1 away victory at 1. FC Cologne, BVB Managing Director Lars Ricken officially confirmed that the expiring contract of the attacking player will not be extended.

“There have been a few reports already,” said Ricken after the match on Sky and then explained the decision: “There were open discussions, and it was mutually agreed that the expiring contract would not be extended.” Thus, it is confirmed that Brandt will leave BVB on a free transfer in the summer.

The 29-year-old joined Dortmund from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 for around 25 million euros and has become a key figure in the attacking play of the Black and Yellows over the past years. Overall, Brandt has played around 300 competitive matches for the club, scoring 56 goals and assisting 68 more.

BVB Boss Ricken Praises Brandt After Strong Performance in Cologne

In the away victory in Cologne, Brandt was involved again and provided an assist. Ricken took the opportunity to commend the midfielder's performances: “[He has] played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund. I believe we can only have gratitude for him.”

Photo: IMAGO

At the same time, the BVB sports director made it clear that the decision also allows for a sporting realignment. “He will turn 30 in a few weeks, we can reorient ourselves a bit, so this can be an opportunity for both sides,” Ricken explained.

Despite occasional criticism over the past years, the BVB boss emphasized that the departure is amicable. “We part with a great deal of appreciation,” said Ricken. Thus, after seven years together, the collaboration between Borussia Dortmund and Julian Brandt will end in the summer.

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