COLOGNE, Germany — Julian Brandt will depart Borussia Dortmund at the conclusion of the season.
Lars Ricken, managing director of Dortmund, announced on Sky on Saturday that both the club and player had mutually agreed to not extend Brandt’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of the season.
Ricken’s comments came after Brandt assisted Maximilian Beier in Dortmund’s tense 2-1 victory against Cologne in the Bundesliga.
“There have been several reports, and it boils down to open discussions where everyone agreed that the expiring contract would not see an extension,” Ricken shared.
“Brandt has played several hundred matches for Borussia Dortmund. We can only express our gratitude for his seven years with us. He faced criticism at times, yet today with his assist, I appreciated his skill,” he added.
Having joined the team from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, Brandt will turn 30 on May 2. Throughout his tenure at Dortmund, he netted 56 goals in 298 appearances.
“We have the chance to realign ourselves,” Ricken noted. “This presents an opportunity for both parties, and it has been amicable. We part ways with mutual respect, but as I mentioned, it can be a fresh start for both of us.”
Brandt has made 48 appearances for Germany, though he has not played since a Nations League match against Hungary in November 2024.
Ricken confirmed that Brandt’s decision will not affect the future of Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck, whose contract expires next year. There is speculation surrounding his potential transfer to Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Additionally, Ricken indicated that the club plans to offer team captain Emre Can a contract extension, despite the fact that he is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL in his left knee.