Despite spending big last year, the German giants are in danger of finishing the season trophyless, which in turn could lead to major squad surgery
After a promising start to 2023, everything has fallen apart for Borussia Dortmund. The German outfit were knocked out of the Champions League by a poor Chelsea side, beaten in the DFB-Pokal quarter-final by RB Leipzig, and handed a heavy defeat by Bayern Munich that seems to have them rattled in the title race.
And although they are only two points behind the struggling Bavarians in the Bundesliga, there is little about Dortmund's play to suggest that they might make up the ground in the final weeks of the campaign.
That's a problem, especially since Dortmund had an uncharacteristically big summer, spending north of €100 million (£88m/$110m) on new transfers, while also bringing in Niklas Sule on a free from Bayern.
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Still, for all of the new faces, similar problems have remained. Namely, Dortmund have been plagued by a lack of consistency and an inability to perform in big games.
It could all point to a summer clear-out, with a number of veterans approaching the end of their contracts, as well as some awkward fits that could bring in funds to refresh the squad again.
GOAL takes a look at some of the players who could leave Borussia Dortmund this summer…
Getty ImagesLuca Unbehaun
Unbehaun has fallen out of favour at Dortmund after spending nearly seven years at the club.
Once regarded as an ideal back up goalkeeper for the first team, he now finds himself as the No.2 for the reserve side, unable to get playing time in Germany's third division.
With his contract up in the summer, an exit is pretty much guaranteed.
AdvertisementGettyMats Hummels
A great of the German game, Hummels is now 34, and well behind Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck in the pecking order at Dortmund. That's not to say he's been an afterthought — Hummels has made 24 appearances this season.
But his contract ends at the end of the year, and he would have to accept a pay cut and smaller role in order to stay at the club. Discussions are currently ongoing, but there's no clear solution imminent.
There is also the possibility that Hummels turns his eyes abroad. The defender has only ever played in Germany and could be tempted by a move outside of the Bundesliga. A switch to MLS has been floated, although that would mean moving far from his son, who lives in Munich.
Should Hummels leave, Dortmund will need to dip into the transfer market for centre-back cover. Nineteen-year-old Soumaila Coulibaly is the only other natural central defender currently at manager Edin Terzic's disposal.
Getty ImagesThomas Meunier
Meunier has always been a bit of an awkward fit in a sporting sense, and his Dortmund career has never truly taken off. And now, the injuries have hit in droves. The Belgian has only played 19 minutes in 2023, and is currently out with an adductor issue.
Dortmund, then, don't look likely to hold onto him. His contract expires next year, and no talks have reportedly taken place. Add to that the fact that Marius Wolf and Julian Ryerson can also handle the right-back slot, and Meunier has become surplus to requirements.
A summer transfer could be on the cards, especially since Dortmund would at least get some of cash for the injury-prone right-back. Barcelona, in need of support in his position, could be among those interested.
imago imagesFelix Passlack
Passlack has been a part of the Dortmund set up since 2012, but a series of loan moves have limited his opportunities with the senior side.
He's only made four first-team appearances this season and has reportedly been in contact with Koln about a potential move away. However, Koln have been hit with a transfer ban, making a move there tricky to figure out.
FC Copenhagen are also reportedly in the mix, and further parties are sure to be interested in the 24-year-old. Regardless, with his contract up this summer, Passlack is sure to be shown the door.