B-V-Briefing: International Edition + More

Back in Dortmund, it’s been reported that talks have begun between the club and former chief scout, Sven Mislintat over a possible return to BVB. It’s been rumored that sporting director Sebastian Kehl may take over for club CEO, Hans Jaochim Watzke when he steps down from his role next year.

Mislintat worked with Borussia Dortmund for nearly 20 years before leaving the club in 2017. He played an instrumental role in signing players such as Robert Lewendowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang, and Shinji Kagawa. He also helped convince a certain young Bayern Munich II defender by the name of Mats Hummels to sign for BVB.

Following his departure, Mislintat played the same role for Arsenal before becoming VfB Stuttgart’s sporting director and finally, a brief stint as director of football at Ajax. Mislintat was known in 2016 for his desire to leave Dortmund after a falling out with Thomas Tuchel, which also led to his banishment from the club's training grounds. It seems apparent that Mislintat has maintained a good relationship with Borussia Dortmund and Watzke over the years. After an astonishingly disappointing summer transfer window, Mislintat’s scouting expertise could be just what the club needs. 

While we’re all still hoping for contract extensions for club legends, Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, it is looking increasingly likely that neither player will dawn a BVB jersey next season. The club seems to want an additional year out of Mats Hummels, but the veteran defender is questioning his body’s ability to perform each week and whether this might be the right time for retirement. Likewise, Marco Reus may also retire. He’s a loyal player and we all love him for it. Reus wants another year, but Borussia Dortmund are hesitant to offer it. While it’s been rumored that Reus may move abroad, the other consideration is that he may choose to retire should a new contract not be offered.

Borussia Dortmund are also said to be exploring the possibilities of retaining both Ian Maatsen and Jadon Sancho next season. Keeping both might sound difficult at first, but the potential sales of other key players may help with that. In addition, there seems to be a possibility of Sancho singing a new, season-long loan for next season. Time will tell as Maatsen has been indispensable and Sancho has been finding his form.

Lastly, Sebastien Haller is back in training! Let’s hope the AFCON winner can rediscover his form in Black and Yellow.  Don’t forget this weekend's match against Bayern Munich, where a win could be massive towards the club's hopes of securing Champions League qualification.