Borussia Dortmund custodian Gregor Kobel has statistically been the best goalkeeper in the Bundesliga this season. No other player in his position can hold a candle to his tally of 14 clean sheets right now, a stat that could go one up on Sunday as the BVB play their final game away to a struggling Werder Bremen.
The Swiss international has been the backbone of a mean outfit, standing out for his quick reflexes and excellent distribution skills. He's comfortably one of the foremost names on the teamsheet as Kobel has made the goalkeeping position his own.
Dortmund eyeing heir to Swiss shotstopper
Despite his prolific run between the sticks though, the BVB are looking for a heir to his throne as Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus is being viewed as Kobel's long-term successor.
According to German news outlet DeichStube, Dortmund have enquired about him recently while Premier League side Newcastle United have also contacted the player's representatives.
But it's worth noting that Backhaus hasn't received any formal offer yet, but the growing interest in the 22-year-old means it could only be a matter of time, not if.
A host of clubs are supposedly monitoring him, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayer Leverkusen, Freiburg, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Who is Mio Backhaus?
Born in Monchengladbach, Germany with Japanese roots, Mio Backhaus aka Mio Nagata began his youth training with Japanese sides Kawasaki Frontale and Alemannia Aachen.
After three years, he moved back to Germany and joined Werder Bremen in 2018 to continue his development.
Following a spell with their reserve side as well as with Dutch side FC Volendam in the Eredivisie, the 22-year-old finally broke into Bremen's senior team in 2025.
With Karl Hein moving to Arsenal on loan, the path was clear for Backhaus to take up the goalkeeping mantle at the club and he's made 31 appearances in the Bundesliga this season.
Do the BVB really need him right now?
Dortmund are absolutely content with Kobel, who is only 28 years of age and there haven't been rumors of his departure either. All signs suggest he is staying put for next season too.
If Backhaus does arrive, he'd most likely be second fiddle to Kobel but could find chances in the cup games. But there's a question of the backup goalkeepers already in the squad.
Alexander Meyer only extended his contract with the club in December 2025 while Patrick Drewes also renwed his terms at BVB until 2027.
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