Kehl announces BVB squad overhaul for summer 2026 | OneFootball

After a solid start to the season, Borussia Dortmund is firmly looking towards the future. While Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl defends the summer transfer concept, the crucial eyes are already focused on the summer of 2026 – and the possible departures of prominent high earners.

In a conversation with the WAZ, Kehl expressed satisfaction with the recent transfer period. "We have focused on young players with potential who can and will generate market values. I am firmly convinced that our squad has become better and broader," the sporting director explained.

With Jamie Gittens, who moved to FC Chelsea, BVB lost a key player, but was able to present promising new additions with Jobe Bellingham, Carney Chukwuemeka, Fábio Silva, Aarón Anselmino (loan) and goalkeeper Patrick Drewes. In addition, the previous loan players Yan Couto and Daniel Svensson were permanently signed. The bottom line was a transfer deficit of 28 million euros, which was cushioned by revenues from the Champions League and Club World Cup.

High earners in focus

Photo: IMAGO

The actual turning point could only follow in 2026. Then several contracts of players who are no longer undisputed in Dortmund expire. Particularly in focus: Niklas Süle (30), Emre Can (31) and Julian Brandt (29). The trio was once planned as a leadership core, but struggled with fluctuations in form in recent years and also lost touch with the German national team.

For Kehl, it is clear that important personnel decisions are pending next year: "Next summer we indeed have a few expiring contracts and will therefore naturally take a close look this season: With which players do we want to continue planning, from which will we separate? Decisions are pending that are quite normal in football and above all planned through contract terms. This not only involves risk, but also an opportunity."

Savings potential for squad restructuring

In addition to Süle, Can and Brandt, the contracts of Pascal Groß (34), Salih Özcan (27), Julien Duranville (19) and Alexander Meyer (34) also expire. Especially with Groß and Özcan, BVB could be noticeably relieved financially. Observers are already expecting a radical cut in the salary structure, which has repeatedly caused problems for the Black and Yellows in recent years.

With the budget becoming available, Kehl could specifically add in the summer of 2026 and consistently continue the path taken with young, developable players. This offers Borussia Dortmund the opportunity to reset the course for the coming years - even if prominent names could disappear from the payroll.

The upheaval is foreseeable - and for BVB possibly the greatest chance to initiate a new cycle, both in terms of sports and economics.

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