Borussia Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken stated that after open discussions, the club agreed not to renew the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan, who will all depart this summer. Ricken said that after open talks, they agreed the expiring contracts would not be renewed. He added that Brandt has a few hundred games for Dortmund and they feel gratitude towards him, noting that as Brandt turns 30 soon, they can look to move in a slightly new direction, which can be an opportunity for both sides.
Julian Brandt has played 298 matches for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 56 goals and providing 68 or 69 assists during his tenure. His only piece of silverware with the club is the 2021 DFB-Pokal, according to major media reports. Brandt has also earned 48 caps for the German national team, according to other sources.
Arsenal are considering a free transfer move for Julian Brandt, according to major media reports, with the player reportedly wanting to move overseas, with Italy, England, and Spain as appealing destinations. Brandt was the subject of two concrete offers from the Premier League in January 2025, according to major media reports, though the specific clubs involved have not been confirmed. It remains unknown which clubs have made concrete offers to Brandt, what the terms of any potential contract might be, or if he has personally confirmed his preferred destination.
Bayer Leverkusen's CEO Fernando Carro has opened the door for a possible return of Julian Brandt to the club, according to major media sources. This interest adds to the speculation around Brandt's next move, with other clubs potentially in the mix beyond Arsenal. Niklas Süle is Borussia Dortmund's highest-paid player and has had recurring injury problems, according to other sources.
His departure marks a significant shift in the squad's financial and defensive structure. There are critical voices within Borussia Dortmund's hierarchy regarding Jadon Sancho's potential to rediscover his form, according to major media reports. The timeline for any decision on Sancho's future at the club remains unclear, adding to the uncertainties surrounding Dortmund's roster planning.