Football Season Guide

Borussia Dortmund

In


Jude Bellingham (mid) Birmingham; Emre Can (mid) Juventus - loan made permenant; Thomas Meunier (def) PSG; Reinier (mid) Real Madrid - on loan; Felix Passlack (def) Fortuna Sittard - end of loan; Marius Wolf (mid) Hertha BSC - end of loan; Sergio Gomez SD Huesca - end of loan;

Out


Omer Toprak (def) Werder Bremen; Dzenis Burnic (mid) FC Heidenheim; Leonardo Balerdi (sp) (def) Marseille - on loan; Mario Gotze (sp) (att) - released; Eric Oelschlagel (gk) - released; Andre Schurrle (att) - retired; Achraf Hakimi (r) (def) Real Madrid - end of loan;

Last season was another in which Dortmund came runners-up to Bayern Munich, however, having run the champions close the previous year, they were no match for their counterparts this time around. The reason for this was their mixed results in the first-half of the campaign, coupled with their questionable commitment in some outings. Dortmund have stuck with boss Lucien Favre despite him coming under pressure on occasions last season, though there were definite signs of improvements after the Covid-break. In the close season Dortmund have secured a permanent deal for Emre Can, which will be seen as a big plus, speculation still surrounds the departure of Jadon Sancho but, if they can keep the winger for another season, it will be a big boost. Looking to England for fresh young talent has been a good way of working for the club and they have now recruited Jude Bellingham from Birmingham. Attacking midfielder Reinier has also joined on loan from Real Madrid, while defender Thomas Meunier from PSG will provide plenty of experience. There is still plenty of other talent in the ranks with Erling Haaland being talked about as one of the hottest strikers around, while Marco Reus continues to be a big player in the midfield. This will again make Dortmund a frightening prospect going forward and plenty of goals will be on the agenda.

Target


Title challenge. There is no doubt Dortmund have the ability to push for the title but, in order to do so, they must improve defensively, they conceded 41 times last term and that’s what cost them. The mentality, especially against the lesser teams will also need to be addressed.