Hans-Joachim Watzke to leave Borussia Dortmund next year

Borussia Dortmund have announced that Hans-Joachim Watzke will be leaving the club when his contract expires next year.

Hans-Joachim Watzke will be calling time on his Borussia Dortmund career in 2025, the club has announced. The 64 year old, who joined the Black and Yellows in 2001, and played a crucial role in the club's financial crisis in 2005, has decided not to extend his contract as CEO beyond next year.

In an ad-hoc announcement, Borussia Dortmund revealed that Watzke will be leaving the club in autumn 2025. His exit will mark the end of an era at the club. Watzke grew up as a Borussia Dortmund supporter, and has been a member of the club since 1996. He also holds key roles in the DFB and DFL.

According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Watzke will no longer make sporting decisions at the club beyond the end of the current season. "It was always important to me that my departure would be self-determined. I have been here a long time. I am very, very grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity. I see it as a great privilege. I will do my job with full vigor and energy until the very last day," Watzke said. "I would like to focus on strategy and transition in the final year."

The contracts of Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl and head coach Edin Terzic are also due to expire in 2025. And it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the duo. It also currently remains to be seen who will replace Watzke as BVB CEO.