BVB on the hunt: Will Süle’s replacement come from Real Madrid? | OneFootball

It hasn't been officially confirmed yet, but it's no longer a secret that Niklas Süle has no future with Borussia Dortmund beyond the end of his contract on June 30, 2026. Additionally, with a question mark over the future of Nico Schlotterbeck and the chances of re-signing Aarón Anselmino probably not being the best, BVB would do well to keep an eye on the central defender market.

And it seems that the Dortmund officials have already identified a candidate who could strengthen the defense. After initial rumors at the beginning of the week about interest in Víctor Valdepenas from Real Madrid circulated, Bild now reports that BVB would indeed like to sign the 19-year-old defender.

(Too) much competition at Real Madrid

Valdepenas is fundamentally part of the Real Madrid Castilla squad and regularly plays with the second team of the Royals at the third-tier level, but due to a personnel shortage, he was allowed to debut with the professionals last weekend. In the 2-1 victory at Deportivo Alaves, coach Xabi Alonso fielded the 1.88-meter-tall defender as a left-back for 78 minutes. Although Valdepenas didn't look good before the conceded goal, he otherwise delivered a decent performance and hinted at his potential.

Despite all his talent, it might not be easy for the Spanish U19 national player to establish himself in the star-studded ensemble of the Royals. An interim step, possibly on a loan basis or even with a buy-back option for Real, could therefore be the appropriate next step. There is certainly no lack of interest. Besides BVB, Bayer Leverkusen and FC Arsenal are also said to have their eyes on Valdepenas and are working behind the scenes on a signing.

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