Markus Babbel backs Borussia Dortmund to compete for the Bundesliga title next season

Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool player Markus Babbel is backing Borussia Dortmund to be in contention to win the Bundesliga title next season.

It has been all change at Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks, with the Black and Yellows completing the signings of Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck, Karim Adeyemi, Salih Özcan and Alexander Meyer; and also replacing Marco Rose with Edin Terzic. More signings are set to follow, as the BVB bosses look to overhaul the squad ahead of next season.

The start of the new season is still more than two months away, but there is already great optimism that Borussia Dortmund can take the fight to Bayern Munich in the race for the Bundesliga title next season. And Markus Babbel certainly believes in their chances.

In an interview with Sky Sport, the former Bayern Munich, Hamburger SV and Liverpool defender said:

"“If you look at their signings, their intention is to challenge the Bavarians. BVB has already signed four experienced players. I have the feeling that they will compete for the championship next season with all the options they have.”"

While Borussia Dortmund have made some big strides in recent weeks, Bayern Munich have had a fairly difficult start to their off-season.

Niklas Süle has already left the Bavarians, joining BVB on a free transfer. Now Robert Lewandowski also wants to leave the club and make the switch to FC Barcelona. Babbel believes that the prolific striker will leave Bayern Munich this summer, especially if the record champions manage to sign Sadio Mane from Liverpool.

"“I think Lewandowski will leave FC Bayern in the summer. If a player doesn’t want to play for a club anymore, you have to let him go. The replacement would have insanely big shoes to fill.”"

Borussia Dortmund are coming off a disappointing campaign, and the hope around the club will be that they can give Bayern Munich a much tougher test in the Bundesliga title race next season.