Borussia Dortmund face tough Julian Brandt call with no clear backup plan | OneFootball

With Borussia Dortmund's belated plans to join the 2025/2026 Champions League parade, several questions remain unanswered for BVB's next season. Indeed, it will all depend on whether the Black and Yellow qualify for Europe through the Bundesliga or not, but a squad overhaul could be on the menu independently of that factor.

Considering that many players have contracts close to an expiration date, mainly in the middle of the field, Sebastian Kehl and company will need to be creative and active to find the right ingredients to change BVB's midfield recipe in the summer. Arguably, Dortmund's most problematic area during this campaign — the midfield — has become an issue at Signal Iduna Park. More specifically, Julian Brandt went from Dortmund's new 10 to a transfer dilemma.

His deal expires in 2026 amidst a disenchanted season so far, while names like Rayan Cherki are being ventilated at the club window in and out. The fact is that it is a tough decision to make on Julian Brandt's future: whether to keep and extend him eventually, as he is still helpful, as he has shown against Hoffenheim, or to sell him, as he is 28 and likely the last chance to make a profit out of it.

A debate has sparked on BVB social media, especially on Reddit, where Black and Yellow fans share their arguments on whether they would keep or sell Julian Brandt. There were mixed opinions on the matter, but the biggest concern, according to fans, is the lack of perspective for a clear substitute if Brandt is to depart in the summer. With Reyna also seeking an exit, the midfield could be depleted in the creative department, even though the current options are not meeting Borussia Dortmund's standards.

Others reject that idea (that there are no replacements in mind) and believe this is the best situation to get some value for the boy from Bremen, who has had his good highlights and moments in Black and Yellow, but failed to achieve the consistency status of a top Bundesliga attacking midfileder, like Musiala and Wirtz did in a shorter spam of time.

Regardless of what happens, Kehl will have many complex and vital decisions to make by the end of this season. Indeed, a European qualification, hopefully the Champions League, could change the scenario and attract more interest from players at Signal Iduna Park. However, the sporting director needs to work with what he has at hand right now, and there are good arguments on both sides of the Brandt conundrum.

I would personally keep him, as I still believe he is useful and could renegotiate his deal with the club. At the same time, I understand the appeal of making money now for a 28-year-old player who has had consistency issues for most of his career. Now, whether he stays or goes, I hope Kehl, or whoever is the sporting director in the near future, makes the best decision FOR THE CLUB.