Borussia Dortmund’s Marcel Lotka is officially leaving the club this summer. Lotka’s contract with the Black and Yellows is expiring this summer and there is no prospect of an extension, something decided mutually between the player and club.
Lotka joined Dortmund from Hertha Berlin in 2022 with high hopes of developing into a BVB star. While he did find his way onto Dortmund’s senior team bench on several occasions, the goalkeeper never played any first-team minutes, remaining the third choice between the sticks. Gregor Kobel was never going to be dethroned unless he was injured, and Alexander Meyer had performed admirable when he’s been needed. Lotka’s prospect of a first team place with Dortmund were bleak.
Marcel Lotka did make 84 appearances for Borussia Dortmund’s youth teams, most notably in the U23’s. Unfortunately, Lotka was also part of Dortmund’s U23 squad which was just relegated out of the third division of German football.
Lotka, who is now 24 is ineligible for the U23’s next season, and the player has stated he’s interested in finding a new start, hopefully with another Bundesliga team. Lotka will depart Dortmund a free agent, and continue his search for a new club.
The most interested party is rumored to be FC Heidenheim, who just defended their place in the Bundesliga after a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win over Elversberg in the Promotion-Relegation playoff. Heidenheim will be able to count on the Bundesliga TV money, and could make a few signings this summer. Lotka's availability on a free transfer could benefit both parties involved.
Only time will tell where Marcel Lotka ends up, and it’s sad to see him leave without a single senior level appearance, but sometimes this happens in football. We wish Lotka well, and hope to see him become the starting keeper somewhere. Maybe we'll even play against him next season.