What could Borussia Dortmund's future overhaul look like?
As we enter the final third of the Bundesliga season, it has become obvious to most fans that the Borussia Dortmund squad needs an overhaul this coming summer. This season, performances in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal have been underwhelming, which calls for player reinforcement and the offloading of current personnel.
Borussia Dortmund's current squad: The outlook for the defence
Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel is the number 1, not only in terms of his position but also in terms of importance to the team. He is quite possibly the best player in the squad. Alexander Meyer remains a solid number two unless Marcel Lotka can challenge for this role. There are no changes needed for this position.
Centre-backs: Extending Mats Hummels for another season, if he doesn't retire, should be a priority for the club. He still adds character and healthy competition to the central defence. However, the focus next year should be on the partnership of Schlotterbeck and Süle. It will be pivotal for success in the coming years so that one or both of them can become natural defensive leaders. The club can consider adding Armel Bella-Kotchap on a year long loan deal with option to buy for squad depth but would also provide a good opportunity to assess a top talent firsthand. After a fine period on loan with Royal Antwerp there should be a market for Soumaila Coulibaly, and he wiill likely be sold.
Right-backs: In terms of right-backs, we currently have Marius Wolf, Julian Ryerson and Mateu Morey. Marius Wolf will leave on free this summer and Morey’s contract is up as well. The club needs to add quality in this position but there also needs to be some depth. Fan favourite Ryerson will stay, but more cover is needed. Priority signing for this position should be Lutsharel Geertruida of Feyenoord, as he is a very versatile and progressive player who can play in the central defence and midfield as well.
Left backs: BVB will likely try to negotiate a fee below the reported 35 million euros release clause that Ian Maatsen has at Chelsea. He is a very promising player and it would be even worth paying the money if there is no way around it. After a very good loan season with Holstein Kiel, Tom Rothe should be integrated into the squad as a back-up to Maatsen. We must admit that Ramy Bensebaini and Dortmund were never a good match. He should be sold to help finance the Maatsen deal. We also have to keep in mind that Ryerson can also cover this position.
Borussia Dortmund's current squad: The outlook for midfield
Midfield: This season we have had significant problems in the midfield. When the game gets too fast paced, there is simply a lack of technical quality carrying the ball forward or even controlling the game. Emre Can had his contract renewed last summer and became club captain. There is little to suggest that he moves away from Dortmund.
Felix Nmecha has missed his opportunity due to injuries, but he should stay and hopefully he will fulfill the potential we saw a few glimpses of in the autumn. Marcel Sabitzer adds hard work ethic to the midfield and his form is on an upward trend.
Salih Özcan is a likeable player but simple lacks quality and doesn’t add competition for the two positions in midfield. His time at Borrusia Dortmund has come to an end and he should be sold.
There are two options that Borussia Dortmund could add to up the quality of the team; Khéphren Thuram (OGC Nice) or Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord). Though they do not have entirely same style of play to BVB's current crop of players, either of them could offer an instant impact to the build-up play which has been far below the club's usual standard. The competition to sign Thuram will probably be too fierce, and BVB could find themselves priced out for him. Mats Wieffer would be a more realistic option.
Attacking midfield: Gio Reyna has had the chances at Dortmund to prove his worth. He should find another club to unleash his full potential. If there are no opportunities for a big-name player in this position Marco Reus should have his contract extended with another - and final year. Julian Brandt will be first choice for the number 10 where Marco Reus still provides depth and high quality.