Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels is leaving his options open ahead of contract expiry in 2024
Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels has yet to make a decision regarding any further extension with the club after 2024.
In a press conference ahead of Germany’s friendly game against Austria, Mats Hummels answered questions surrounding his own future. The player has yet to decide whether he will extend his contract with Borussia Dortmund, seek a new challenge, or retire:
"“I’m a long way from worrying about it. I extended last season in the last week before the last game. I’ll keep it open for a very long time this time too. I don’t even know what it will be yet.”"
With his contract up on the summer, Hummels may be taking an easy approach to it, but Dortmund will certainly be monitoring this situation closely. Hummels has performed very well this season, forming a formidable partnership with fellow German international Nico Schlotterbeck at the back for Dortmund that has kept Niklas Süle on the bench.
Süle’s lack of minutes has come as a surprise, but Hummels’ form and the need for depth and cover in case of injury have seen Süle feature more at right back in recent weeks. Hummels’ performances have seen a more recent drop off where the player’s age has shown at times, and highlighted that perhaps more rotation is necessary to keep Hummels fresh and fit when called upon.
Whether Hummels will continue playing after his contract expiry hinges on how he and his body feel. As of right now, he still feels like he has more to give despite his age :
"“I’m just happy that it’s fun at the moment and that I can still play well despite my advanced age. Then time will tell what I still have left in me and what I want to do.”"
Hummels’ form come the end of the season will be an important gauge for the club as they may have to dip back into the transfer market to find his eventual successor. This uncertainty is even more reason for the club to seek such an option out ahead of time.
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Even if Hummels does sign an we deal, he is in the twilight years of his career. Next season, should he stay, he should not be relied on to play the number of games we are seeing him play now without adequate rotation and as plan for his eventual departure in place.