Borussia Dortmund

Hans-Joachim Watzke has said he's "very grateful" to Bayern Munich for their professionalism in allowing Mats Hummels to rejoin their rivals this summer. 

Hummels left the Westfalenstadion to join Bayern in 2016 but rejoined the Black and Yellows in June. Dortmund chief executive officer Watzke told DPA (h/t Goal's Daniel Lewis) he found it "extraordinary" Die Roten were willing to let their defender leave.

The 60-year-old said: "I am very grateful to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for having respected the player's will. I thought that was extraordinary. The way in which these negotiations ended was an indication to me how respectfully we are working together at the highest levels."

Hummels grew up in Bayern's academy but left to establish a first-team place at Dortmund in 2008—initially on loan—where he won a historic pair of Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012.

Now 30, the Germany international hasn't taken long to adjust back to playing in Dortmund colours, demonstrating some fine passing ability in pre-season:

They don't call @matshummels "Außenrist" (outside of the foot), for nothing 👟🔄 pic.twitter.com/44g1hLftYt

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) July 23, 2019

Hummels also won the DFB-Pokal crown with Dortmund in 2012, as well as finishing a runner-up to Bayern in the 2013 UEFA Champions League final.

Manager Lucien Favre's side have had an active summer transfer window, signing forwards Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt, as well as recruiting Paco Alcacer permanently following his loan last term. Left-back Nico Schulz also arrived from Hoffenheim and has impressed in pre-season.

Bundesliga writer Alex Chaffer praised Dortmund's summer business and recently said the foundations are there for the club to launch another run at Bundesliga silverware:

Borussia Dortmund's impressive summer of moves needs nothing more than names: Schulz, Brandt, Hazard, Hummels. Add a fit Reus off the back of his best Dortmund season and Sancho who just continues to improve with every game. Another memorable title race is on the cards.

— Alex Chaffer (@AlexChaffer) July 25, 2019

Bayern signed two new centre-backs this summer as Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard arrived from Atletico Madrid and Stuttgart, respectively.

Coach Niko Kovac said in July that Hummels left the club because he didn't want to compete for his place in the XI:

"Mats did a great job, especially in the second half of the season. Like [Bayern president] Uli Hoeness said, at the end of the season Mats came to us and asked what the status quo was for the new season. 

"Niklas Sule did a great job, he is a starter of the (Germany) national team and with Lucas we bought a player that we want to play centre-back. That doesn't mean anything. 

"Competition means the best player will play. In that case, Mats wanted to avoid that. We accept that and the result is that he plays for BVB now." 

Former Dortmund and Bayern team-mate Robert Lewandowski also bemoaned Hummels' decision, per DW Sports:

Should Hummels have stayed with Bayern?

Or can he lead Dortmund to silverware? pic.twitter.com/7dohL56A3I

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) July 23, 2019

Hummels will find it easier securing his place in Favre's XI and looks likely to partner Omer Toprak in defence, with Dan-Axel Zagadou, Manuel Akanji and Leonardo Balerdi offering support.

Mario Gotze has hinted he could be open to a move abroad should he leave Borussia Dortmund, amid rumours Arsenal are looking into a deal for the former Bayern Munich man. 

The 27-year-old is going into the final year of his contract, but he told Bild (h/t Goal's Tom Webber) he is "totally relaxed:"

"I am now going into my 10th Bundesliga season, so it's logical foreign countries sometimes play a role in your thoughts.

"As a footballer, you have the privilege of being able to work in almost every country in the world.

"There have already been one or two conversations with BVB. I have one more year on my contract and I am totally relaxed in every aspect."

According to Goal's Ronan Murphy, he could make the switch as a free agent next summer:

Mario Götze says he could move abroad next season when his Borussia Dortmund contract expires, telling kicker: “It is logical that foreign countries sometimes play a role. As a footballer, you have the privilege of working in almost every country in the world.” #BVB

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) July 22, 2019

His focus is on renewing his deal with BVB, however, and in June, he told Goal and DAZN exit rumours have become a regular thing for him.

Last season was Gotze's most productive since returning to Dortmund, starting 19 Bundesliga matches and scoring seven goals. He also added seven assists, as his passing took a big step forward.

The Bundesliga's YouTube account highlighted how his playing style has evolved over the years:

While Gotze's focus appears to be on Dortmund for now, he could be a solid addition for the Gunners should there be no new contract. Per Webber, the Germans invested more than €100 million this summer, and in Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt, they signed two players who could take away from his minutes.

With just one year left on his contract, Gotze's value on the transfer market would be on the lower end. That would make him an appealing target for the Gunners, who have a limited budget to work with this summer, as Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol illustrated:

Arsenal have made £25m bid for Celtic’s Kieran Tierney. If their transfer budget this summer is really £45m, that would leave £20m to buy Wilfried Zaha

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 14, 2019

The Gunners have yet to make a splash in the transfer market, as their only signing so far has been 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli.

Borussia Dortmund have announced the return of Mats Hummels from Bayern Munich.

BVB tweeted Hummels' return on Wednesday:

Mats 🔙 pic.twitter.com/L90XFy3Ry7

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 19, 2019

Hummels left Dortmund for Bayern in 2016.

Goal's Ronan Murphy relayed the details of his return:

OFFICIAL: Borussia Dortmund have signed Mats Hummels from Bayern Munich for €31.5m. The fee could rise to €38m after bonuses. He’s still a top-quality defender and will bring experience and stability to the Dortmund backline. #BVB #FCBayern pic.twitter.com/Lqa1GMoSkV

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) June 19, 2019

The centre-back began his career at Bayern but left for Dortmund after making just two senior appearances.

He had plenty of success with BVB, too:

Last time around 💯 pic.twitter.com/m496S4neVQ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 19, 2019

He returned to Bayern as a top-class defender and helped them win three consecutive Bundesliga titles.

His form has dropped a little of late, though. He made just 21 league appearances last season, and Bayern have recruited Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, both of whom can play centre-back, this summer.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes Hummels could still be a strong addition back at Dortmund:

Mats Hummels to #BVB. Hasn’t fallen off quite as hard as many believe. Still great on the ball, can still be very dominant in duels in the box.

Dortmund’s CB collective is very young and bold on the ball; perhaps Hummels can both improve the team and help sculpt the future?

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) June 19, 2019

The 30-year-old World Cup winner is a leader and has an enormous amount of experience, which will be valuable qualities in a young side.

BVB finished second to Bayern by just two points, but they shipped 44 goals to Bayern's 32, so the defence was clearly an area in need of improvement.

As football writer Jonathan Harding noted, not all the fans will be best pleased by his return, though:

https://twitter.com/JonBloggs66/status/1141323103550803975

If his added defensive quality can help the team beat Bayern to the title next season, it's likely all would be forgiven on that front.

Winning the title will be a challenge, but Hummels' arrival should strengthen their chances of doing so.

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said it's "guaranteed" Jadon Sancho will be at the club next season.

The young winger enjoyed a breakthrough season with Dortmund, as he was a crucial part of the team that pushed Bayern Munich close in the battle for the Bundesliga title. Unsurprisingly, Sancho has since been linked with a number of high-profile clubs.

But Watzke has made it clear the England international will not be available in the upcoming market, per Bild (h/t Goal).

"It can be assumed that Jadon will not play more than 10 years at BVB, but we have clear agreements about the present," he said. "Jadon is not on the market and plays next season guaranteed at Borussia Dortmund."

James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph reported in March that Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were prepared to go head-to-head for the transfer of the 19-year-old this summer. In the piece, it's said Sancho is valued at around £100 million.

Dortmund have cashed in on some major assets in recent years, including the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, the club's recruitment strategy has allowed them to remain competitive in Germany.

Getting young players in like Sancho has been vital to that process, as he's developed into one of the most exciting prospects in European football. Squawka Football shared the numbers behind his exceptional 2018-19:

Jadon Sancho provided more assists and completed at least 40 more take-ons than any other player in the 2018-19 Bundesliga season.

• 34 games
• 111 take-ons completed
• 64 chances created
• 14 assists
• 12 goals

Teenage talent tearing it up. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RurkHAzb4g

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 19, 2019

One of the standout parts of Sancho's game is his invention and composure in the final third. This delightful assist in a clash with Schalke was one of the highlights of the campaign:

https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/1122815087553552385

What makes Sancho special is his ability to mesh that ingenuity with his physical gifts. The Three Lions starlet is one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, while his agility and balance make him difficult for defenders to pin down.

His stock only appears set to rise in the coming months and years.

The club appear serious about challenging again next term too, as they've already wrapped up the signings of Nico Schulz, Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt. German football journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt thinks Sancho might have to fight for a spot in the XI in 2019-20:

From Sancho’s perspective, competition for his place in the team went up quite a bit in the last 24 hours with Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt + Gladbach’s Thorgan Hazard joining.

Big statement from BVB, along with Germany wing-back Nico Schulz joining too. https://t.co/B0uUWSR5qr

— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) May 22, 2019

Still, despite his tender years, Sancho was influential in the German top flight last season and is already among the best players in the division. If he links well with Hazard and Brandt, Dortmund will have an attack to be feared by domestic and European rivals.

Provided he continues on an upward curve, the interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs will not go away.

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach winger Thorgan Hazard on a five-year contract. 

Hazard, 26, joined Die Fohlen from Chelsea in 2015 but will hope to improve his Bundesliga title aspirations at Dortmund. The club announced the forward's arrival on Wednesday:

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Thorgan Hazard from @borussia_en on a 5-year contract! pic.twitter.com/yx3YR8Eb4M

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 22, 2019

The younger brother of Chelsea superstar Eden, Hazard is capable of playing off either left or right flank, and he impressed with a balanced spread of 10 goals and 10 assists in 33 Bundesliga outings this term. 

It's not a great surprise that interest in Hazard was high after another season impressing in the Bundesliga, while Gladbach were also under pressure to sell as he entered the final year on his deal with them.

They posted a tribute to the player after his transfer was confirmed: 

5️⃣ years
1️⃣8️⃣2️⃣ appearances
9️⃣1️⃣ goal involvements@HazardThorgan8 will join @BlackYellow in the summer. All the best for the future, Thorgan! 💚🐎#DieFohlen pic.twitter.com/L3XqgpGEF9

— Gladbach (@borussia_en) May 22, 2019

Hazard will look to make up for the loss of United States international Christian Pulisic, who agreed a £58 million transfer to Chelsea in the winter.

Per WhoScored.com, Hazard was in rare company this season when it came to his productivity:

Thorgan Hazard: Was one of two players, along with new teammate Jadon Sancho, to register double figures for goals (10) and assists (10) in the Bundesliga this season https://t.co/WfvpU7tRH7

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 22, 2019

Monchengladbach finished fifth in the Bundesliga this season to qualify for next term's UEFA Europa League group stage. Dortmund, on the other hand, finished a close second to Bayern and will compete in the UEFA Champions League for a third season in a row.

Hazard will return to Europe's elite competition after missing out in each of the last two campaigns. The Black and Yellows will be hoping his encouraging evolution in Germany continues as he approaches his prime years.

Dortmund have already signed Germany left-back Nico Schulz from Hoffenheim, while Bild (h/t TalkSport) reported Bayer Leverkusen's Julian Brandt could also join.

German football writer Manuel Veth spoke highly of the club's early summer business:

#BVB this summer:

✅Julian Brandt from #Bayer €25m
✅Thorgan Hazard from #Gladbach €28m+
✅Nico Schulz from #Hoffenheim €25m

Less than €80m for three national team players. Respect!

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) May 21, 2019

Dortmund will tour the United States in their 2019-20 pre-season, and Hazard's first appearance for the club could come in their trip to face the Seattle Sounders in Washington on July 18.

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed midfielder Julian Brandt will sign for Borussia Dortmund, with a medical reportedly planned for later this week.

The club confirmed the transfer in a statement to SID (h/t Goal's Ronan Murphy):

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed to SID that Julian Brandt is leaving for Borussia Dortmund. #BVB #B04

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) May 21, 2019

Per Bild (in German), Dortmund will activate the €25 million release clause in Brandt's contract, and the transfer should be completed at some point this week. He'll be paid €8 million per year. Brandt told his team-mates the news on their way to a vacation in Barcelona on Monday night.

Last week, sporting director Rudi Voller told Sky Sports News HD (h/t Goal's Dane Sheridan) Brandt's future would be decided this week: "We know exactly which clubs have knocked [for Brandt]. Brandt has some requests, and in the next five, six or seven days there will be a decision. By reaching the Champions League, we hope we have a small or big chance (that he will stay)."

Per sports writer Manuel Veth, Brandt previously hinted he could stay at the club if it secured UEFA Champions League football for next season:

Julian Brandt just told Sky90. "As it stands I will stay." The reporter asks back: "As it stands?" Brandt smiles and says: "As it stands." I would interpret it this way. #ChampionsLeague football and he stays at #Bayer, they don't qualify he leaves, likely to #BVB.

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) May 5, 2019

Leverkusen did just that, finishing the season in fourth place behind Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, but the midfielder still decided to leave. According to Goal's Chris Burton, he was also linked with Liverpool and Juventus.

The 23-year-old made his Bundesliga debut in 2014 and has been among Germany's top talents ever since. He's a full German international as well as one of the Bundesliga's best creators:

Julian Brandt created more chances (86) than any other player in the 2018-19 Bundesliga season.

Also the most from open play (63)... before anyone asks. 😉 pic.twitter.com/U5hqzSeUO1

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 19, 2019

Brandt stands out for his versatility and well-rounded skill set. While he's mostly known as an attacking midfielder, he can also slide further back and play closer to his own defence or split out wide and play as a winger.

He scored seven goals and added 11 assists in the Bundesliga this season, netting in his final appearance, a 5-1 win over Hertha.

Here is a profile of the rising star:

Losing Brandt for just €25 million is a serious blow for Leverkusen, especially as he'll join one of their Bundesliga rivals. Dortmund seem determined to strengthen their squad with domestic stars this summer, with Borussia Monchengladbach's Thorgan Hazard also close to joining, per Sport1 (h/t Burton).

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has ruled out the possibility of on-loan defender Achraf Hakimi making an early return to parent club Real Madrid.

The full-back joined the Bundesliga side on a two-year loan in summer 2018, and Zorc says he is fully expecting him to remain at Dortmund and see out his contract, per Manu de Juan at AS.

"I think it's outside out of the question. We have had contact, his representative was here for a visit. There is no scenario in which he is not playing for Borussia Dortmund next season." 

Hakimi has made an impact in his first season at Dortmund, including winning the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month Award for September and November:

He's done it again! 😲@AchrafHakimi receives his second @TAGHeuer #BLRookie award of the season whilst his team, @BlackYellow, sit atop the table 👏#DontCrackUnderPressure pic.twitter.com/qrleo0Vt4z

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) December 10, 2018

He went on to make 28 appearances in all competitions for the club but saw his season ended prematurely in April by a broken metatarsal:

Achraf Hakimi will miss the rest of the season due to a broken metatarsal 🤕 https://t.co/CtAy56yhsV

— GOAL (@goal) April 1, 2019

Hakimi has spoken about his future and appeared keen to return to Real Madrid before his two-year loan deal ends. 

He told Spanish television channel #Vamos (h/t AS): "It would be a dream to be back at Madrid as soon as possible. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. We'll see what happens."

Zidane has been keeping tabs on Hakimi since returning to the club for a second spell as manager and is keen for him to return provide competition for Marcelo, according to De Juan.

Marcelo has struggled for form this season with Los Blancos and has been outshone by 22-year-old Sergio Reguilon. However, the Brazilian appears to be back in favour since Zidane's return.

Meanwhile, Reguilon is one of three players, including Marcos Llorente and Dani Ceballos, who could be pushed towards a Real Madrid exit due to a lack of game time, according to Pablo Polo at Marca.

Hakimi's loan had been a success for both clubs and the defender before his injury, as he was playing regularly and at a good level. Real Madrid may want to bring him back for next season, but Zorc's comments suggest they may struggle to convince Dortmund to let the youngster leave before his deal ends. 

Jadon Sancho was hit by an object thrown from the stands as Borussia Dortmund were beaten 4-2 by rivals Schalke 04 in a controversial Ruhr derby in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Jadon Sancho was hit by an object thrown from the #S04 away end while celebrating Mario Götze's goal. #BVBS04 #Revierderby pic.twitter.com/B4L84Gvpcf

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) April 27, 2019

The Dortmund attacking midfielder is said to have been hit by a lighter launched from the away section:

https://twitter.com/LarsPollmann/status/1122134788587118592

Sancho had helped Dortmund take the lead at Signal Iduna Park by teeing up Mario Gotze.

JADON SANCHO! STOP IT! 🔥🔥

Dortmund take the early lead in the #Revierderby through Götze after another beautiful assist from the teenager. pic.twitter.com/0a6H0O82zb

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 27, 2019

However, goals from Daniel Caligiuri and Salif Sane put the visitors in front before the break. Things got worse for the hosts when Marco Reus was shown a straight red card on the hour mark, and Caligiuri added his second direct from a free-kick two minutes later.

Dortmund went down to nine men after right-back Marius Wolf was red-carded on 65 minutes. The home side still got a goal back from Axel Witsel late on, before Breel Embolo's 86th-minute goal finished things in Schalke's favour.

It means Dortmund could fall four points adrift of Bayern with three games left if Die Roten win away to FC Nuremberg on Sunday.

Earlier, Sancho was understandably euphoric after a goal contribution that earned the teenage England international a rare landmark:

Most assists in Europe's top five leagues this season:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jadon Sancho (14)
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi (13)
🇧🇪 Eden Hazard (13)
🇪🇸 Pablo Sarabia (13)

Chasing the wunderkind. pic.twitter.com/t0EKAhtULh

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 27, 2019

One more assist is just another notable moment for a player who has put together a remarkable season since moving to the German top flight last summer. Now Sancho's potential is earning him some lofty plaudits.

Jadon Sancho has 20 combined assists & 2nd assists in the 24 Bundesliga starts this season.

Such a reliable creator. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/GBsipaT5WB

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 27, 2019

At this point we should be talking about when Jadon Sancho will win the Ballon d'Or, not if.

— Oliver Zesiger (@aulit_z) April 27, 2019

His performances are also encouraging links with the biggest clubs on the continent, including Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are reportedly keen, with manager Zinedine Zidane an admirer of the former Manchester City academy star's ability, according to German publication Bild (h/t AS).

Keeping a rising talent will be key to Dortmund's chances of competing with Bayern Munich beyond this season. Sancho has established himself as the creative fulcrum of manager Lucien Favre's team, and his development is best served by staying in Germany a little while longer.

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has made it clear that Jadon Sancho will not be sold this summer despite ongoing links to Manchester United.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a breakout season at Westfalenstadion as BVB lead the Bundesliga title race.

He has netted eight goals in his 27 league appearances, while his return of 13 assists eclipses any other player in Europe's top leagues:

The crown for most assists in Europe (13) belongs to a 19-year-old 🔝🎯@Sanchooo10 has the magic touch 🔥👈 pic.twitter.com/Pp6xb1U4AT

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) April 3, 2019

It is no surprise, then, that Sancho has attracted interest from elsewhere, but Watzke has ruled out a summer departure during a conversation with Eurosport Germany (h/t Joe Shread of Sky Sports): "We will not sell him. That is fact. It is clearly discussed with every person who is involved that Jadon plays in the next season for BVB."

The Dortmund chief also said that European clubs know BVB's position on Sancho, so there have been no approaches for him:

Dortmund's Hans-Joachim Watzke on Jadon Sancho to Man Utd (and others) rumours to Goal/DAZN: "Everybody knows that Jadon will play for us next year. That's fact and we don't have a price tag for him. And because everybody in Europe knows that nobody contacted us." #MUFC #BVB

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) April 5, 2019

Dortmund are two points ahead of Bayern Munich, with each team having seven games remaining in the Bundesliga. The two sides face off at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. In the reverse fixture back in November, Dortmund prevailed 3-2.

Sancho will be vital for Lucien Favre's side in Munich if they are to get a win that could clinch their first league title since 2012.

The Englishman is in a fine vein of form, having provided four assists in his past three appearances for club and country.

Dortmund fans will be delighted to hear Watzke's assertion that Sancho will still be at the club next season.

But if he enjoys another superb campaign in 2019-20, it will surely not be long before he is snapped up by one of Europe's bigger outfits.

Borussia Dortmund forward Mario Gotze has revealed he still talks to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp regularly and hinted he could move to Anfield to seek a new challenge. 

Speaking to Bild (h/t Goal's Chris Burton), Gotze explained how he spoke to Klopp in 2016 before completing a move back to Dortmund from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool were said to be interested in his services at the time, and the two haven't stopped talking since:

"He [Klopp] knew that I wanted to leave Bayern. Of course, we talked. He knows me very well and that I am always looking for new challenges. I often speak to Klopp. He brought me to the first team when I was 17 and he made it all possible. We never stopped talking."

He also discussed working under Klopp and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, saying it's hard to compare the two:

"They are difficult to compare because they pursue different philosophies. The fact is that both are extremely successful.

"I am grateful to have worked with two such outstanding coaches. I watch the games of both teams as often as possible, the title fight in the Premier League is extremely exciting."

Per Burton, his current contract is set to expire in 2020, at which point he could complete a free transfer to another club.

Gotze played the best football of his career under Klopp, emerging as a star prospect and later a Bundesliga stud at the Signal Iduna Park.

Here's a look at some of his career highlights in Germany:

With Klopp coaching him, Gotze was a dynamic attacking midfielder with tremendous range and vision, as well as an eye for goal. German giants Bayern triggered his release clause ahead of the 2013-14 season, where he gained more experience playing further up the pitch, occasionally as a false nine.

The summer of 2014 saw his greatest professional success when he scored the winning goal at the World Cup, but injuries soon started to halt his momentum. It would ultimately lead to a return to Dortmund in 2016, where a muscular disease further threatened his career.

Now 26, Gotze has rediscovered some of his old magic, scoring four goals and six assists in the Bundesliga this season. He's been a regular for BVB the last two months, helping the team in the race for the title.

As a free agent in 2020, he could present an intriguing value pickup. While the hype surrounding Gotze has died down significantly, there's no denying how good he was under Klopp; if the tactician worked with him again, he could perhaps unlock that potential.

At the very least he would add valuable depth at a relatively minimal cost if no transfer fee is necessary.