Borussia Dortmund have lost a real gem in Julian Brandt, who leaves the club on a free transfer next month.
The German international was given a heartfelt tribute in their final home game of the 2025-26 season as he closes his time on Dortmund career after seven years.
Since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, the midfielder established himself as the chief linchpin in the centre of the park.
He was key to pulling strings upfront, whether it was laying a defense-splitting pass or transitioning his side into offense. Brandt also possesses a keen eye for goal, chipping in with 57 strikes too.
The 30-year-old's departure leaves a massive void in Dortmund squad as the club now faces a monumental task of finding his replacement.
Here are three players who could fill the gap:
1) Samuele Inacio
What if I tell you that Die Borussen already have a player in their ranks who could possibly be the next Julian Brandt? An 18-year-old Samuele Inacio has already shown identical qualities with the potential to develop into a star for the club.
After gradually breaking into the senior team and even starting in their last two games while scoring in his first start too, the coaching staff is apparently viewing Inacio as an internal replacement for Brandt.
2) Nikola Vlasic
If Dortmund want a proven quantity, perhaps they could look towards Torino's Nikola Vlasic. The Croatian talisman has been at the heart of their attacking rhythm and scores goals too. In fact, he just concluded his best campaign for the Turin side with eight league goals.
Vlasic, in many ways, is a direct replacement for Brandt as his playing style is remarkably identical to the outgoing Dortmund star. With his contract negotiations at Torino currently stalled, the BVB could enter into talks with him.
3) Jadon Sancho
This one's familiar too, with Jadon Sancho seeing two spells at Borussia Dortmund. It was his first run from 2017 to 2021 that truly made him a star as the Englishman became the side's attacking talisman with his innate creative abilities as well as goalscoring prowess.
Perhaps, a third term at the Signal Iduna Park could be on the cards. Sancho has been linked with a return to Dortmund this season following an unimpressive loan spell at Aston Villa, who aren't likely to keep him beyond this summer. His Manchester United contract is expiring this summer, so the BVB could get him back without spending a penny.
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