Salih Özcan not planning to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer
By Tushar Bahl
Salih Özcan has said that he is not thinking about leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer despite being linked with a move to Werder Bremen in recent weeks.
When Salih Özcan joined Borussia Dortmund from FC Köln last summer for a cut-price fee of six million euros, there was optimism that the Black and Yellows had found their next great bargain signing. And while the Turkey international made a promising start to life at BVB, he struggled to build on that and lost his spot in the starting XI towards the end of the season.
Despite his struggles in the second half of the campaign, Özcan is satisfied with his debut season with Borussia Dortmund. But he still wants to improve his game, especially in the final third.
"“Overall, I’m satisfied. I was still injured at the start, which was certainly not ideal,” Özcan said in an interview with the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. “But then I quickly found my feet and made the most of my opportunity. Towards the end of the season, I didn’t play quite as much. I was also ill in the meantime, and Emre (Can) did well in my position.”“I feel right at home in Dortmund. I know myself that I still have to improve in terms of scoring goals. But I’m working on that.”"
Özcan has been linked with a move to Werder Bremen in recent weeks. But the 25 year old has rubbished those claims, adding that he will stay at Borussia Dortmund next season.
"“I have had no contact with Werder or Ole Werner. I have a contract at BVB until 2026. I’m definitely staying in Dortmund and want to fight again with BVB.”"
Salih Özcan made a total of 36 appearances in his debut season for Borussia Dortmund. The Black and Yellows came ever so close to winning the Bundesliga title, but Bayern Munich pipped them on goal difference on the final matchday.
The midfielder has insisted that BVB’s goal for next season is to try and win the Bundesliga title. And he firmly believes in their chances.
"“Bayern will probably learn their lessons from last season, but we also know what great quality we have in our team. That’s why the championship remains the goal; we want to finally win the title. And we can do it too.”"
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Borussia Dortmund will begin their 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign with a home game against Özcan’s former club FC Köln.