Contract poker at BVB: Who stays, who faces the axe? | OneFootball

Extend or let go on a free transfer? This is the question currently occupying the BVB bosses, including CEO Lars Ricken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl. No fewer than six player contracts are set to expire next summer – and not all professionals can hope for a future in black and yellow. According to BILD information, four players in particular are on the brink.

While Dortmund are once again eyeing Champions League spots this season, the sporting management is already working on the squad of the future. One thing is clear: in several cases, economic reason will have to prevail over sporting history.

Emre Can: Captain with an uncertain future

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Emre Can has been sidelined for months with persistent adductor problems. The injury comes at the worst possible time for the captain – his contract expires in the summer. While the midfield fighter enjoys great respect in the dressing room and from coach Niko Kovac, his sporting future hangs by a thread.

According to BILD, an extension would only be considered if his salary were significantly reduced. It remains to be seen whether Can will regain the level that once made him indispensable after his recovery.

Niklas Süle: Top earner must make concessions

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Niklas Süle is also facing a decisive winter. The central defender has recovered from his injury and wants to secure a regular spot again over the course of the season. But the road back to the starting eleven is tough – and the salary issue is a major hurdle.

With around 14 million euros per year, Süle is one of BVB’s top earners. According to reports, an extension would only be possible if the defender accepts drastic pay cuts. Both sides currently appear to be playing hardball.

Pascal Groß: End of career or new start?

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For Pascal Groß, the chapter at Borussia Dortmund is coming to an end. The experienced midfielder is barely used by Kovac and has himself hinted that his future is open.

“It always has to make sense for both sides,” Groß said recently. “If I no longer play a role, then I’d rather not have a contract and go somewhere else – or retire.” His clear stance shows: the veteran is thinking more about leaving than extending.

Salih Özcan: No place left in Kovac’s plans

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There is no longer a sporting perspective for Salih Özcan at BVB. Dortmund already wanted to offload the defensive midfielder in the summer but couldn’t find a buyer. Now, a transfer in winter is considered likely to save his salary of around five million euros.

Kovac is relying on different profiles in midfield – Özcan is likely to be one of the first to be allowed to leave in January.

The open cases: Brandt and Meyer

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Julian Brandt and Alexander Meyer are in a slightly better position. Brandt, currently only a super sub, still enjoys great trust within the club. If he can return to his old form, an extension could happen – the attacking player feels comfortable in Dortmund.

Goalkeeper Meyer is considered a reliable backup behind Gregor Kobel, but with Diant Ramaj (currently on loan at Heidenheim) a successor is already lined up. An extension would only be considered as a backup solution.

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