After the 1-0 loss to Wolfsburg in the DFB Pokal, rumors have begun to circulate regarding the club’s willingness to let key players go in the next summer transfer window. Names such as Niklas Süle, Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer and Julian Brandt have been noted as potential candidates for sale.
With Brandt in particular, his name surfacing in such a list is rather peculiar, not in the sense that his performances have warranted praise, but in terms of the stock the club has invested both into the player’s image as well as his future with the club. Just last year, Brandt was one of the key figures in just how far Dortmund went in the Champions League and was their standout player overall with 10 goals and 13 assists across the DFB Pokal, the Champions League as well and the Bundesliga combined.
Brandt also signed a new contract in 2023 (until 2026), and was made one of the club’s vice-captains. Since the departure of Marco Reus, it’s been heavily surmised that he would be one of the new faces of the club.
With this in mind, Brandt’s current stats ( 1 goal and 4 assists across all competitions) aren’t necessarily the start we would’ve hoped for but also isn’t a damning indicator of a player that needs to leave. The issues with Brandt stem from his inconsistency as well as his visible lethargy on the pitch, in tandem with his ability to gift the opposition possession of the ball in the strangest of circumstances.
These issues are well documented and have been criticized for some time (rightfully). That being said, there was a clear formula for making Brandt work harder last season that made him the critical player he was; substantial competition for his place in the starting 11. At least in the first half of the season (when he was indeed one of the few shining lights in a dismal Hinrunde for Dortmund), he was competing with Marco Reus and Gio Reyna for the space to start, which also, in tandem with the competition, afforded the ability to give Brandt a rest if he needed it.
With Reus in particular, Brandt had a top-quality player (whilst not at the peak of his powers anymore) who could quickly slot in if he wasn’t performing. This season, Reyna’s continued injury woes have left Brandt bereft of relief or competition, especially considering the need for Pascal Groß and Marcel Sabitzer to play in other positions due to injuries. With this in mind, it’s no shock to see his standards slip.
Overall, the rumors surrounding the departure of Brandt or any player for that matter are more than likely to take a back seat to the more immediate issue, which is salvaging the season at hand. There’s still time for Brandt and these other players to play a more substantial role in at the very least securing Champions League football for next season.