BVB is now actively scouting the market to strengthen their squad previous to the Club World Cup, and are expected to complete the signing of Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham soon. Dortmund is optimistic to get the deal done before the Club World Cup transfer window closes on June 10th and already has Jobe's verbal commitment.
Trainer Niko Kovac is set to be a strong advocate of his signing, specially since the club's midfield struggled this last season through injuries, inconsistent performances by key players, and change of tactics, but Bellingham's arrival is set to provide a dynamic box-to-box player to accelerate Dortmund's transition in offence and provide defensive stability. While Jobe's contract at Sunderland includes a 40M Euro release clause, Dortmund are looking to get Jobe for a significantly lower price tag.
Despite Kovac's miraculous Bundesliga run in the last 8 Bundesliga games to get Dortmund back in the top 4, and much better performances by almost every player, the squad still lacks the necessary depth and explosiveness to outperform Bundesliga rivals and compete at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League. From a struggling midfield to a lack of creativity, Dortmund are actively scouting the transfer market in hopes of bringing quality players to Dortmund. So, what should Borussia Dortmund be looking for after the Bellingham transfer is complete?
Defence
Through Niko Kovac's tactics, Dortmund has managed to find defensive stability with a back three of experienced players like Emre Can, Waldemar Anton, Niklas Sule, Ramy Bensebaini, and Nico Schlotterbeck. But elevated salaries and inconsistent performances have left Dortmund in desperate need of a young CB to compete that steps up for the upcoming season.
With Can and Sule's contracts running out in 2026, it is no surprise that BVB are looking to renew their back line, and Dortmund has even called back Soumaila Coulibaly from his loan spell before time to be a part of the squad for the CWC.
Dortmund has also been linked to Argentine defender Juan Gimenez from Rosario Central, and Real Madrid youngster Diego Aguado. Next season's performances will likely determine whether Can and Sule's contracts will be renewed, but until then, Dortmund is expected to sound the CB market.
As for the wing-back positions, Dortmund have found a key combination through Scandinavian duo Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson, while also having strong backups in Yan Couto and Ramy Bensebaini, respectively.
Since Ramy's profile is much more of a defensive approach, we can't discard Dortmund pursuing another LWB, though no approaches have been made at the time. It is worth mentioning that Dortmund have a buy-back clause worth 8M Euros for Tom Rothe, who signed last summer for Union Berlin and has been given precious play time and improved his gameplay significantly.
Midfield
Dortmund's Midfield is expected to have a lot of movement this summer transfer market. Players like Gio Reyna, Salih Ozcan, Marcel Sabitzer and Julian Brandt have struggled to find consistency within the team, and fans have been very critical about it.
While Pascal Gross and Felix Nmecha played a key role in Kovac's last games of the season, there are signs that Dortmund will be actively scouting central midfielders. Besides Jobe Bellingham, Dortmund have also approached Olympique Lyon in numerous occasions regarding a transfer of France U21 superstar Rayan Cherki, but a transfer seems unlikely due to close contact from the frenchman to Manchester City. Bellingham's transfer would bring dynamism and energy to the team, but there are still two important roles to be fulfilled in the '6' and '10' positions.
Club Brugge's star and Belgian League Player of the Season Ardon Jashari has been monitored by Borussia Dortmund in the last couple of weeks, and Dortmund are expected to approach the player soon, although it is uncertain whether Jashari is seen as an alternative to Bellingham, or an independent transfer to fill in the defensive midfield.
The Swiss player is expected to cost around 35M Euros. Carney Chukwuemeka has also been a topic at Borussia Dortmund after his successful loan spell, but his lack of fitness and consistent problem with injuries have made Dortmund doubtful of triggering the buy option included in his loan. Dortmund are currently negotiating an extension of Carney's loan to allow him to play the entire CWC, but a permanent transfer seems very unlikely at the moment.
Offence
Although Sehrou Guirassy's stellar performances leave nothing to be desired for a striker, there are also indications that there will be movement in the offence. According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Jamie Gittens has been linked to a move to Chelsea, and has allegedly already agreed personal terms with the London club for a 7-year contract, which could bring in a significant sum of money. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have submitted a 35M Euro bid for Gittens, which was quickly rejected by BVB, who demand at least 50M.
Gittens' transfer to Chelsea could, of course, open up the door for further acquisitions in the offence, and some fans are even speculating a return of Jadon Sancho after Chelsea did not activate his buy clause after his loan.
Manchester United do not plan to sign Jadon Sancho for next season and his high salary makes him a top sales candidate for the Red Devils, however, no negotiations have taken place with BVB, and it is expected to remain a cold topic until summer. Dortmund is also said to have been looking for a young backup striker, but that is unlikely to be a priority, since Dortmund have two second strikers in Karim Adeyemi and Maxi Beier.
Conclusion
Borussia Dortmund are set to make moves in the transfer market this summer to adapt the squad to Niko Kovac's strategies and continue where they left off at the end of the season, but before Dortmund starts to think about further transfers, they have to start thinking about departures. There are a few players that have currently no place in the squad and that Dortmund is struggling to offload such as Gio Reyna and Salih Ozcan, as well as some players with huge salaries, such as Niklas Süle, Marcel Sabitzer, Emre Can, and even loan player Youssoufa Moukoko. Sales of some of these players will allow BVB to make space in the squad and payroll to continue with Kovac's project.
As it stands, it seems as though the priority is in strengthening the midfield with young, talented players in the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Ardon Jashari. The feasibility of these transfers depends mainly on the income that Dortmund generates through sales of players. It is unlikely that Dortmund will prioritize other positions, but we can expect Dortmund to stay active in the search of a young CB, as well as a backup LWB, a backup striker, and maybe even a number '10' to compete with Julian Brandt.