BVB parts ways with Süle and Özcan

In addition to Süle, midfielder Salih Özcan also has to go. “We had very open and appreciative discussions with both of them this week. In the end, we agreed with both Niklas and Salih to go our separate ways at the end of the season,” said BVB boss Lars Ricken to the “Ruhr Nachrichten”. The Dortmund team had previously announced the separation from offensive man Julian Brandt.

The 30-year-old Süle, who played a total of 49 international matches between 2016 and 2023, moved from German record champions Bayern Munich to BVB in the summer of 2022. Now his time in Dortmund is coming to an end, although a central defender, Emre Can (torn cruciate ligament), is out for the long term. Both Süle and the club had the feeling that they had to “orientate themselves differently in the summer,” said Ricken.

Schlotterbeck’s future remains uncertain

Süle’s departure is likely to have a lasting impact on BVB’s transfer planning – especially since the future of national player Nico Schlotterbeck remains open. There is a “good, confidential exchange. That shows mutual appreciation, because we are totally clear about it. We have common expectations and we act according to them,” reported Ricken.

Schlotterbeck’s contract runs until 2027. So far, the 26-year-old defender has not yet accepted an offer to extend his working paper. If this doesn’t happen by the end of the season, the club could possibly sell him to secure a high transfer fee.