[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Borussia Dortmund defender Daniel Svensson (24) looks dejected after a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeenah Moon-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Borussia Dortmund 2025–26 Season Preview: Team Updates, New Signings, What to Expect, and More

The 2024–25 season was one of two halves for Borussia Dortmund. At the winter break, they languished in 10th place — a far cry from their title-challenging expectations — which prompted the sacking of head coach Nuri Şahin. His replacement, Niko Kovač, endured a rocky start, but the Black-and-Yellows found their feet just in time. A storming end to the season saw them pick up 22 points from their final eight league games, surge back into the Champions League, and famously beat Barcelona 3–1 in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. With greater squad stability and growing tactical clarity under Kovač, optimism is returning to Signal Iduna Park.

ℹ️ Sébastien Haller ist krank und daher nicht mit an Bord. Er wird im Laufe der Woche nachreisen. https://t.co/XuVXETWAoL
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) August 4, 2025

Dortmund New Signings and Team Updates

Goalkeeper & Defence
Unlike summers past, Dortmund have not had to replace a departing star. Instead, they’ve quietly strengthened where needed. The backline looks notably refreshed. With Nico Schlotterbeck still recovering from injury, Filippo Mané has seized his chance during pre-season, starting both friendlies and drawing praise from Kovač for his no-nonsense approach. The 20-year-old Italian-Senegalese defender is aggressive, quick, and tactically sound — attributes that could earn him a starting role alongside the experienced Waldemar Anton, who arrived last winter and has since become a defensive leader.

In goal, Gregor Kobel remains the undisputed No. 1. The Swiss international enjoyed another solid season and continues to be one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable shot-stoppers. With a settled defence in front of him, he’ll look to build on that consistency.

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Midfield
Dortmund’s midfield has seen subtle but smart reinforcement. The biggest name is Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of former fan favourite Jude. While still raw, Jobe impressed in a supporting role behind the striker during pre-season and offers the kind of pressing intensity and technical quality that fits seamlessly into Kovač’s high-octane system.

Julian Brandt, Felix Nmecha, and Julien Duranville remain important creative outlets, while Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer provide the steel in the engine room. Youngster Daniel Svensson, whose loan move has now been made permanent, adds depth on the flanks and in central roles — and could be a breakout player to watch this year.

🤝🤝🤝 pic.twitter.com/wNGk9T9yN9
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) August 2, 2025

Attack
All eyes will once again be on Serhou Guirassy, who notched 21 Bundesliga goals last season and looks set to lead the line. His physicality, link-up play, and coolness from the penalty spot give Dortmund a true focal point up front. But who plays with him is where the intrigue lies.

Maximilian Beier and Karim Adeyemi have both impressed in pre-season, while Jobe Bellingham has also featured in a more advanced role. Julian Brandt continues to drift between midfield and attack, depending on the setup, and Sebastién Haller, back from loan, offers a different kind of target man option when needed. The fluidity and competition for places is exactly what Kovač wants, as he aims to rotate his options depending on the opponent and the demands of three competitions.

What to Expect

With Bayern facing their own transitional period, the door could be ajar — and Borussia Dortmund will be one of the few sides truly capable of pushing through it. Under Kovač, BVB look sharper, more aggressive, and tactically versatile. They now have depth in key positions, attacking variety, and — most importantly — squad stability.

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The absence of major exits this summer has given Dortmund a rare luxury: continuity. This, coupled with Guirassy’s goal threat, the emergence of players like Mané and Svensson, and the energy of rising stars such as Adeyemi and Bellingham, creates a sense of cautious optimism.

A top-four finish is the baseline expectation, but Dortmund will also target a deep Champions League run and a serious tilt at the Meisterschale, a prize that has narrowly eluded them since that heartbreaking final day in 2023. With the right momentum, this could be the season where silverware finally returns to the Yellow Wall.