Last Season: 2nd
Coach: Edin Terzic
Squad Valuation: €461.15m
Stadium: Signal Iduna Park (81,365)
They say that time is a great healer and in the case of Borussia Dortmund, they are going to need that to be true as they embark on a fresh challenge to dethrone Bayern Munich as German champions. The final day surrender at the Signal Iduna Park against Mainz when they had one hand firmly on the Meisterschale only to set it painfully ripped away will leave mental scars, but the club as a whole have to move forward and start again.
Trainer Edin Terzic has the task of inspiring his squad to go once more and to reach even higher levels than they did last season. It is likely that Bayern will raise their level this season and the Schwarzgelben must do the same if they are once again to challenge for the title.
The loss of midfield talisman Jude Bellingham will leave a huge hole, but like Jadon Sancho before him, it was only a matter of time before he took the next step. Raphael Guerreiro has also departed (painfully to Bayern), which is another blow considering the added versatility he provided in a new advanced midfield role last season. Aside from that Borussia have the rump of the squad from last season- a season wiser and now hopefully hungry to make amends.
The arrival of Ramy Bensebaini was a little coup for BVB with much speculation linking the former Borussia Mönchengladbach left back with a move to Italy. The choice of Felix Nmecha as Jude Bellingham’s midfield replacement at first didn’t go down well with sections of the Dortmund fan base due to previous social media posts, but his displays last season for Wolfsburg saw him enter the national team fray and he has impressed so far in pre-season.
The acquisition of Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich looks a good move after his impressive spell on loan at Manchester United last season. Sebastien Haller will start the season fully charged, while both Donyell Malen and Karim Adeyemi will look to build on their impressive Rückrunde showings. Marco Reus has given up the captaincy following the signing of his new contract, but it will be interesting to see just what role the club legend has to play this season.
The ‘mentality’ question mark will hang over Borussia Dortmund should they once again fail to capitalise on their strengths. Edin Terzic took the club to within touching distance of the title last season and will want to take the final step this season. He will however face a Bayern nemesis even more determined to keep the Ruhr club at arm’s length.
Major signings: Felix Nmecha (VfL Wolfsburg), Marcel Sabitzer (Bayern Munich), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Major departures: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Raphael Guerreiro (Bayern Munich), Mahmoud Dahoud (Brighton), Anthony Modeste (released), Felix Passlack (VfL Bochum)
Possible line-up:
Youngster to watch: Julian Duranville
After just six appearances for Anderlecht, Borussia Dortmund signed the teenage Julian Duranville in the January transfer window for €8.5 million. The right winger, who can also be deployed on the left was given his one and only run out on the final matchday in what turned out to be BVB’s worst nightmare when they surrendered the Meisterschale.
He will be looking to enjoy some more positive experiences this season, despite only being 17-years-old. Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have both shown in recent seasons that if you are good enough, you are old enough, but a thigh injury looks set to delay the start of his season.
