Julian Brandt to leave Borussia Dortmund at end of 2025/26 season

Borussia Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken has confirmed that the 2025/26 season will be Julian Brandt's last with the club.

Speaking after Dortmund's 2-1 win at Cologne on Bundesliga Matchday 25, Ricken revealed that BVB will not be renewing Brandt's existing contract, which expires on 30 June 2026.

"After open talks, we agreed that the contract that is set to expire would not be renewed," he told Sky Germany.

Brandt (No.10) set up Dortmund's second goal against Cologne. - IMAGO/UWE KRAFT

"[He has] played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund," Ricken continued. "I think we can only feel gratitude towards him. He spent seven years with us and was sometimes viewed critically. Today he set up another goal. I always appreciated his numbers. He’ll turn 30 in a few weeks, and we can look to move in a slightly new direction — so it can also be an opportunity for both sides."

Brandt joined Dortmund from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen in July 2019. The 29-year-old midfielder has made 298 competitive appearances for the club, registering 56 goals and 68 assists.

The former Wolfsburg youngster has also won the DFB Cup and German Supercup in his time at the Signal Iduna Park.

Watch: Brandt enjoyed one of his best seasons for BVB in 2023/24

About the players

10

Julian

Brandt

Borussia Dortmund

Although a 48-time Germany international, Brandt has not represented his country in over a year. Regardless of whether he goes to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the Bremen native will be a free agent in the summer.

"We made the decision together," head coach Niko Kovač said. "We had discussions, and both sides came to the conclusion that we want to try something new. Now we want to finish the next nine matches successfully with Jule."

About the clubs

Borussia Dortmund

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