Borussia Dortmund’s first part of the season at least made it possible to stabilize a club which has suffered from too many shocks for 18 months. The aftermath of the Champions League final, reached in May 2024 (beating Real Madrid), was not all positive, far from it. The planned departure of Edin Terzic hurt. His successor and former deputy Nuri Sahin should have ensured a certain continuity, which he failed to do. Six months after his induction, he gave up his apron to make way for Niko Kovac, while the BvB was 11th in the Bundesliga. The beginnings of the former Monaco coach were not easy either, but here he is settled.
He still finished the championship strong, finishing in 4th place, synonymous with qualification for the Champions League. It was a good thing for him because the BvB held the lead during this campaign. Two days before the end of the first phase, the German club is 10th and can legitimately claim to finish in the top 8 even if two last big pieces await it (Tottenham and Inter). It’s also keeping pace in the Bundesliga with only one small defeat for the moment against the Bavarian ogre, alone in its world with nine points ahead of its runner-up. 3rd tied on points with RB Leipzig, Dortmund is in its passing times, despite its elimination in the German Cup against Bayer.
At least three departures and two arrivals
Kovac is also not completely satisfied with what he sees on the pitch. Repeated errors in defense frustrate him and he intends to use the transfer window to resolve some of his problems. According to Sky Sports in Germany, there will be movement this winter with no less than three departures hoped for and two arrivals desired at least: a defender therefore, but also a midfielder with a defensive profile. The successive injuries to Aarón Anselmino and Nico Schlotterbeck did not help, the latter slowing down his contract extension to force his departure at the end of the season. Holder at the start of the season, Waldemar Anton, in turn, took charge of the infirmary.
At the end of his contract in June, Niklas Süle also suffered various physical problems and he is only a complementary element. Ramy Bensebaini is absent during the CAN. Problem, the avenues for this winter are not yet numerous, there is just mention of an interest in the young Víctor Valdepeñas (19 years old) from Real Madrid, who plays for Castilla. Sky Sport still gives the ideal profile sought, rather young and with high potential, as often within the recruitment unit. The recruits will have an imperative, they must be ready to play immediately in order to impact the team from the first matches. On this point, Valdepeñas meets the criteria, like Nathan De Cat from Anderlecht and Kennet Eichhorn, the nugget from Hertha Berlin.
Too many defensive problems since the start of the season
Less of a priority, a high-level full-back is desired to give Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson a break, with Yan Couto’s debut being contrasting. For departures, the Ruhr club is less hesitant this time. Salih Özcan and especially Pascal Groß, an executive from last season, are invited to find a new project, they who have not played much since the start of the season. The second city, aged 34, quickly needs a new base as he is aiming for a place in the German selection for the World Cup. Finally, loan solutions are on the table for young wingers Cole Campbell (19 years old) and Julien Duranville (19 years old), the latter having been unavailable for a long time due to a serious shoulder injury.
