In January 2026, Borussia Dortmund saw two players leave abruptly. Loanee Aaron Anselmino was recalled by parent club Chelsea, while Pascal Gross returned to his former side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Signed in 2024 from the Seagulls, Gross endured a mixed spell with the BVB, from the high of four assists in a game to struggling for regular starts in the XI.
Following his departure from the club, he had even revealed that the lack of consistent gametime is what had prompted the German to jump ships, six months before his contract was about to expire.
""Since I wasn't getting much playing time in Dortmund, I wanted to go back to a place where I could have more influence and play more regularly, so I could also put myself forward for the World Cup.""said Gross upon returning to Brighton
Turns out, Gross going back to the Premier League worked quite well in his favor as the player slotted right back into Brighton's set-up and delivered some good performances that earned him a place in Julian Naglesmann's Germany squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Now, in an interview with German magazine Kicker, the midfielder didn't express any regrets of leaving Dortmund.
"“It was definitely a very good decision. I was able to play regularly again, and in the Premier League, plus reaching European competition and now even making the World Cup squad – the best-case scenario I had hoped for with this move has come true.”"said the 34-year-old German
After rejoining Brighton, Gross started in every Premier League game except the first, where he came off the bench for the last 19 minutes, while completing 90 minutes in all else. He was on target against Everton in a 1-1 draw, while bagging one assist each in their games to Nottingham Forest, Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur.
Suffice to say, the German international had a productive last four months that easily warranted a place in Die Mannschaft's World Cup squad and now intends to continue playing for the Seagulls next season, which also marks his final year on the contract.
"“Yes, I will definitely continue playing there""affirmed Gross
As for Dortmund, he made 65 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and making 17 assists. He featured 49 times in the 2024-25 season but saw first-team chances severely cut in the last season with his form blowing hot and cold.
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