For the first time in years, Borussia Dortmund are cautiously starting to look like they have the versatility needed for squad rotation across European and domestic fixtures—even though many players are unproven.
However, the club have lost two leaders in Kareem Adeyemi and Julian Brandt, who need replacing. Add the continuing debate about unsettled top striker Serhou Guirassy, which has disrupted the locker room, and it remains to be seen what additional signings ‘Die Schwarz-Gelben’ will bring in ahead of the September 1 deadline.
With just a few days to go before the 2026/27 Bundesliga season starts, it’s time for an in-depth preview of Niko Kovac’s title contenders:
The Goalkeepers
Borussia Dortmund have an exceptional goalkeeper in three-time Switzerland international Gregor Kobel, and there will e little chance of anyone displacing the 28-year-old.
Kobel has great all-around ability and is impressive as a sweeper keeper, never afraid to get off his line and eliminate danger outside the box. Last season, the Zürich-born player showed his quality as a reliable shot-stopper who is handy with his feet and demonstrated sound judgement under considerable pressure. Kobel is starting to look like the best number one at the club since Roman Weidenfeller.
As for changes, Diant Ramaj has returned to FC Copenhagen, where he spent 24/25 on loan; 25/26 was spent at Heidenheim, and for now the 1.89m German-Kosovan is not needed.
The main reserve keeper is Alexander Meyer. The 1.95m keeper was one of the strongest assets at Jahn Regensburg, making 94 appearances in three seasons, but has made just 17 appearances for Dortmund in two seasons. Meyer has excellent command of the box and is a solid shot-stopper with good reflexes. There’s little chance of him being displaced as the number 1 reserve keeper.
A new arrival from VfL Bochum last season, Patrick Drewes could take over from Meyer if given the chance. Despite his commanding presence, strong shot-stopping in close-range situations, and 335 professional matches under his belt, the 33-year-old hasn’t made his first team debut yet and remains third choice.
Silas Ostrinski represents the future in goal. The 22-year-old local lad started the season as BVB II’s reserve keeper. A highly-regarded talent, he stands at an imposing 1.96m and plays as a traditional, line-holding, no-nonsense shot-stopper. Ostrinski has earned 3 caps for Germany at U20 level.
The Defence
Borussia Dortmund looked chaotic in defence at times during 24/25, conceding 51 goals. They mainly lacked the stability of a consistent line-up. Under Niko Kovac in 25/26, that improved drastically—albeit at the expense of attractive play. BVB conceded a respectable 34 last season.
With new signings and talents like Kaua Prates and Joane Gadou, there’s potential for improvement in the back line and defensive midfield, where highly-talented 16-time Germany U17 international Mussa Kaba is one to watch.
Kaba started the season in the BVB U19s, where he proved himself to be one of the bright spots and earned a first-team place at just 17. His towering stature, exceptional defensive abilities, and outstanding dueling could prove crucial assets.
Brazilian Kauã Prates joins from Cruzeiro as a versatile, physically strong, and technically gifted left-back. He excels at tackling, precise crossing, reading the game, and one-on-one defending. The 1.83m defender can develop into a reliable backup for first-choice Daniel Svensson.
The left-footed Swedish defender Svensson has been one of the club’s shrewdest signings in recent memory. He slotted straight into the first team and has featured in 45 matches in just one year. Equally effective in central midfield, the 22-year-old brings an incredible work ethic, tactical adaptability, and attacking threat. He’s quickly established himself as a key player for both club and country.
Joane Gadou is a 19-year-old French centre-back regarded as one of the top defensive prospects of his generation. He officially signed a long-term contract with Dortmund running until 2031 after transferring from Red Bull Salzburg. Gadou could emerge as one of the summer’s standout signings.
Norway international right-back Julian Ryerson initially drew criticism for lapses in concentration but has since developed into one of the league’s best in his position, attracting interest from abroad. He impresses with his relentless work ethic, defensive tenacity, physical intensity, and tactical flexibility across multiple defensive and midfield roles. Right now, it’s impossible to imagine the lineup without him.
For 18-year-old Luca Reggiani, the move to Dortmund has already paid dividends, earning him a senior call-up for Italy. The talent brings genuine quality. Standing at an imposing 1.94m, he’s widely regarded as one of the brightest young defensive talents in European football.
Another natural leader in defence is Waldemar Anton. During the 25/26 season, the veteran featured in all but two league games. With competition from Prates, Reggiani, and Gadou, it will be interesting to see if the 15-time Germany international—who has struggled to accelerate when needed, leading to avoidable goals—can maintain his starting role. Otherwise, Niko Kovac may shift him into midfield or to the bench this season.
The standout in the BVB defence is Nico Schlotterbeck. The 1.91m tall defender, with 29 senior caps for Germany, is fast and versatile with excellent aerial ability. With a strong left foot, the Waiblingen-born German is a confident ball-carrier whose ability to thread passes between the lines could add a new dimension to the club’s build-up play. Schlotterbeck is a smart investment with a high ceiling. He’s indispensable in aerial duels, and his absence in the early part of the season will need significant compensation.
Algeria international Ramy Bensebaini is a seasoned centre-back who hasn’t always been consistent and carries an injury history. He and Anton lack the pace to recover from the forced errors that Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nmecha made last season, which remains a concern. This vulnerability needs addressing, especially in the Champions League. Bensebaini has been rumoured to be on the transfer list. It’ll be interesting to see what role Kovac has in mind for the 31-year-old.
A versatile player who adds value in both midfield and defence is club captain Emre Can, who’s been out for 5 months with a cruciate ligament tear and will need to fight to regain his starting spot. The 29-time Germany international remains an outstanding tackler and powerful presence at the heart of defence. His versatility—providing strong cover at right-back—has made the 32-year-old invaluable.
A player to watch for the future is 20-year-old Filippo Mane. He made quite an impression in his Pokal debut against Rot-Weiss Essen. The right-footed 1.88m defender is known for his exceptional composure, physical presence, and ball-playing abilities—he’s drawn stylistic comparisons to Mats Hummels. He looks calm under pressure and combines pace with stamina. Mane shows the qualities to become an excellent centre-back in the long term.
After struggling to maintain consistent performances, Brazilian right-back Yan Couto has been loaned to Italian side Como, while veteran Niklas Süle has retired from professional football.
Overall, the backline looks sound, but Kovac’s biggest challenge will be finding a consistent lineup and establishing defensive stability. Quality-wise, BVB will continue to be far better organized at the back, though questions remain about who will lead following Schlotterbeck’s injury.
The Midfield
BVB boasts impressive midfield depth, but it’s also where Kovac has made the most changes. ‘Die Schwarz-Gelben’ have a diverse array of midfielders capable of filling different roles, so it will be fascinating to see how they’re deployed.
A crucial player is England U21 international Jobe Bellingham. His committed style of play is vital to Dortmund’s success. At just 20, he’s heading into his second season at the Westfalenstadion. The Stourbridge-born former Sunderland player is a box-to-box midfielder who provides creativity and tackles robustly, giving the team creative impulses and a dependable presence at the heart of the midfield. After a slow start, Bellingham is proving his worth. He’s returned from the break noticeably stronger physically, which adds another dimension to his threat.
Another vital midfield piece is Germany international Felix Nmecha. The former Manchester City academy player has achieved a stunning turnaround over the past two years and become indispensable in midfield. A true number 10 and the heart of the build-up, he remains the established box-to-box option. Managing director Lars Ricken has done well to retain the €55m-rated player, who’s been on the wish list of several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United this summer.
Last season, Carney Chukwuemeka was signed permanently from Chelsea. The Austria international scored 2 goals and offers a dynamic central midfield option known for finding solutions in tight spaces. The former Aston Villa player excels in possession with exceptional passing ability. He’s also combative and can play on the wing. The 22-year-old was sorely missed in the final games after suffering muscular injuries, but the Vienna-born player, who represented England at all levels from U15 to U21, will be eager to reclaim his place ahead of the new season.
A player who has also been hotly debated is Marcel Sabitzer. Despite his pitch-perfect passing, strong interceptions, and excellent vision, he hasn’t quite found his footing at BVB. Since joining in 23/24, he’s contributed 8 goals and 12 assists, showing flashes of the pivotal player he can be. But the Wels-born midfielder has struggled to integrate in Dortmund and hasn’t demonstrated the consistency that earned him so many accolades during his 6 successful seasons with RB Leipzig. While Sabitzer could still make his mark, BVB are reportedly listening to offers around €10m.
The capture of Netherlands international Joey Veerman—who joined on a five-year deal for just under €25m from PSV—looks like a smart move. A stalwart of the midfield at the Philips Stadion, Veerman is a deep-lying playmaker known for his exceptional passing range, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate tempo from central midfield. A classic playmaker, he has the potential to develop into a central presence in midfield.
Three talents to watch out for are Enzo Dos Santos (17), Justin Lerma (18), and Takato Yamamoto (18).
Luxembourg international Dos Santos will initially join the U19s. He’s been signed for his exceptional technical skills, dynamism, and versatility as a central midfield playmaker.
Ecuador international Justin Lerma (18) is frequently compared to a young Mario Götze due to his elite technical ability, intelligence, and creative vision. Versatile enough to play as a number 10, he’s mature and composed on the ball, with great acceleration, ball-carrying ability, and vision. Lerma made headlines by making his professional debut at just 15 and could make an immediate impact.
New signing Takato Yamamoto (18) is earmarked for the U19s, but the two-footed versatile midfielder—known for his exceptional first touch, incisive passing, and intelligent movement in the final third—has looked impressive in pre-season and could well be given his chance this season.
Among the departures is veteran Julian Brandt. Despite his undeniable talent, the 30-year-old largely failed to live up to expectations. His contract expired this summer, and Ajax signed him, where he’s expected to play a pivotal role.
Out of contract, Salih Özcan also departed for Besiktas after making just 11 appearances in 25/26. He’s been unable to make a significant impact since returning from VfL Wolfsburg ahead of 24/25.
Looking at the wide positions, 17-year-old Mathis Albert is currently the only natural winger, playing on the left. The squad may need further reinforcement on the right.
A new option on the left wing is Giannis Konstantelias. Known for his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and flair, he’s widely regarded as one of Greek football’s most exciting young talents. The former PAOK player is expected to play a vital role in attacking midfield and is considered one of the most dangerous attacking talents under 20 in European football.
The 18-year-old looks like a very strong signing. He has exceptional ball control and excels at dribbling in one-on-one situations. With a low center of gravity at just 1.78m, he’s great at spotting and exploiting opportunities between the lines and can be highly effective in the box.
While the failure to sign Said El Mala—who undoubtedly would have brought quality in midfield and goal-scoring ability—stings, Cologne declined the reported €50m offer. With the club currently reporting a €21.7m loss, maybe it’s for the better.
A new arrival who provides options on the right wing and in attacking midfield is Konstantinos Karetsas. The 18-year-old has fulfilled the promise he showed at Genk’s academy. In his first 18 months as a professional, he’s racked up 72 appearances with 3 goals and 11 assists. The Greece international looks like an outstanding transfer, even at €30m plus add-ons that could reach the record €35m paid for Ousmane Dembélé.
Karetsas is an elite-level, technically gifted left-footed attacking midfielder known for his exceptional vision, tight-space dribbling, and creativity in the final third. He operates as a classic number 10 or drifting winger, using his rapid change of pace and low centre of gravity to unlock defences.
He looks like a direct replacement for Julian Brandt. While not always in form, the 48-time Germany international was an important creative presence—particularly on the wing—that BVB now miss. Karetsas needs to fill that void.
Maximilian Beier, primarily a centre-forward and a highly effective one, can also slot in on the right wing.
Overall, BVB is nominally stronger this season in midfield, particularly in defensive capability. Despite a relatively average pre-season that included a loss to third-tier Fortuna Düsseldorf, there are plenty of options that could gel into an impressive and dangerous line-up.
The Attack
Borussia Dortmund scored a significant 70 league goals last season but finished once again in second place. The ‘Black and Yellows’ may need a new approach if ‘want-away’ Serhou Guirassy—the best out-and-out striker the club have had since Erling Haaland—departs. The Guinea international remains Dortmund’s main attacker, and his 60 goals in two seasons will take some replacing.
The club’s title chances could be enhanced by the arrival of Fabio Silva from Wolves halfway through last season. The player who contributed 6 assists last season showed the scoring prowess BVB signed him for with 10 goals in 22 games for Las Palmas in 23/24.
Silva’s 15 goals in 28 games with Portugal U21s earned him a senior team call-up. While the 24-year-old hasn’t commanded a first-XI spot across the 7 clubs he’s played for, he started showing flashes of his attacking ability last season. He’s a versatile player with a high work rate who could yet find his place in 25/26. As it stands, however, he’s a backup.
10-time Germany international Maximilian Beier will continue to provide power as the second striker. An explosive, versatile forward known for his blistering pace, intelligent off-ball movement, and clinical finishing, he excels at exploiting space behind defensive lines. He also contributes heavily to defensive pressing, making him invaluable.
One to watch is Samuele Inácio (18), a highly versatile attacking talent who blends Italian tactical discipline with Brazilian flair and creativity. Primarily operating as an attacking midfielder or forward, he’ll provide options in attack if he can continue making the case for further appearances.
A significant loss is Karim Adeyemi, whose incredible acceleration and athleticism made him valuable in both attacking and defensive phases. Adeyemi scored 46 goals. However, the club opted to accept a €22m offer rather than let him leave on a free at the end of 26/27.
Another departure is Cole Campbell, who didn’t live up to expectations and has become Bundesliga new boys SV Elversberg’s record signing at €6m.
In summary, Borussia Dortmund’s attack appears quite formidable in terms of pound-for-pound talent. However, they’ve been very reliant on Serhou Guirassy, who looked unmotivated in parts of last season and could still leave if the right offer comes through. His departure would require both a replacement and a tactical overhaul. An additional loan striker remains an option for BVB.
The Coach
Niko Kovac led BVB to a second-place finish in 25/26 after taking over from Nuri Sahin with the side in 11th place.
The 54-year-old had an impressive playing career as a commanding defensive midfielder. His journey took him from modest roots in Berlin to winning the double with Bayern Munich in 2009 and the Austrian League with Red Bull Salzburg in 2007. He earned 83 caps for Croatia at two World Cups and captained them at Germany 2006.
He brings experience from working as assistant manager to Ricardo Moniz at RB Salzburg. After his promotion, he led them to the title. Alongside his brother Robert, a former BVB defender and now assistant manager, he managed Croatia U21 before taking over the national team, where he secured qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Eintracht Frankfurt marked the next step in his career. After a difficult first season, he earned recognition for laying the foundation that sparked the club’s revival. Under him, Die Diva vom Main reached the Pokal final twice, winning it in 16/17.
Two seasons with AS Monaco in Ligue 1 followed, where the club reached the Coupe de France final, losing to Paris Saint-Germain, and finished mid-table both years.
An underwhelming season and a half at crisis-ridden VfL Wolfsburg—who were relegated last season—followed. BVB came knocking for an interim solution in January 2025.
Kovac has implemented a mix of 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 formations with a clear focus on defending without possession. He works on increasing his team’s intensity behind the ball, allowing them to defend in a compact, mid-high press that forces opponents wide. As soon as they win the ball, they use their quick players in fast transitions. The high press has worked well, though the equally high defensive line naturally invited counters that left the side vulnerable at times.
Many fans have lamented the style of football under Kovac, which has largely abandoned the much-loved BVB ‘virtues’ and attacking football that regularly featured line-breaking passes and quick one-twos. Dortmund don’t have many classical wing-backs, so the options are limited. The defensive improvements have made the side much harder to beat, though they remain predictable.
During 25/26, BVB under Kovac often defended in a 4-2-3-1, allowing them to easily switch to a higher press triggered by sideways passes to the flank and back-passes to the centre-backs and goalkeeper.
In their low blocks, they denied the opposition access into the centre by compressing spaces between the lines with aggressive deeper midfielders and centre-backs willing to push up, regain possession, and instigate breaks.
This analysis of the 25/26 season suggests Kovac will make good use of the current squad once he finds the right tactics. What Kovac lacks, compared to past coaches like Klopp and Terzic, is the ability to ignite the Yellow Wall and galvanize the club. With the South Stand behind them, the 3-time Champions League finalists are almost unstoppable. Unfortunately, that ‘spirit’ is the X factor Borussia need to win titles.
What Kovac does have is a strong support team, including his brother Robert, a former BVB defender serving as assistant manager, and Filip Tapalović. They’re supported by British first team coach Stephen Rands and newly appointed Roderick Van der Ham as head of analysis, who joins from Liverpool FC.
Prognosis
Borussia Dortmund has assembled a versatile pool of talent who can play in multiple positions. During the current transfer window, the club has beefed up their all-important defensive capabilities.
The club’s past over-reliance on Guirassy demanded a tactical overhaul. With the new signings in mind, Kovac is likely to change the system to play a second striker, focus more on ball possession, and continue to play a more defensive style. This will address BVB’s key deficit in recent seasons—a side that looked fragile under pressure and too easy to break down.
Despite the proven title-winning experience Kovac brings, he needs more time to work out his plan. But time may not be what the club has, as the last Meister title now lies 14 years back.
Dortmund aren’t searching for another system. They’re searching for the right combinations with the players at their disposal. Finding that is what Kovac must do.
Probable starting XI: Kobel, Gadou, Anton, Bensebaini, Ryerson, Nmecha, Jobe, Svensson, Karetsas, Konstantelias, Guirassy.
Outcome: Close but second-place finish.