After key defender, Nico Schlotterbeck’s season ending injury, it became known that Mats Hummels was in contact with Borussia Dortmund over a possible return to the club, as a player, for the Club World Cup since Schlotterbeck will miss the entire tournament. While Dortmund can still rely on center-backs Niklas Süle and Waldemar Anton, with Emre Can also able to play the position, the loss of Schlotterbeck means there is a lack of depth in the position. Should another defensive player be injured, BVB’s back line could fall into a crisis.
In recent weeks however, Dortmund’s defense has looked much more stable, successfully adapting without Shlotterbeck. Even Ramy Bensebaini has been strong in a back-three. Niko Kovač has found more versatility in some of his players, and the sports tabloid, Sport Bild is now reporting that BVB has chosen to forgo a potential June transfer for the beloved player. Should another player get injured between now and the Club World Cup however, Hummels could still make a surprise move.
Hummels is expected to return to Signal Iduna Park later this summer to wear Black and Yellow one more time in a formal ‘Farewell’ match, honoring his time in Dortmund. Hummels made an astounding 508 appearances for Borussia Dortmund across two stints and played over 41,000 minutes for the club in all competitions.
Though Hummels may not return for the Club World Cup, the BVB Legend could make a return to the club in another sporting or professional capacity. One thing is clear: We haven't seen the last of Mats Hummels.