Borussia Dortmund and Julian Brandt will go their separate ways next summer. CEO Lars Ricken officially confirmed it on Saturday evening after the 2-1 win in Cologne.
Borussia Dortmund and Julian Brandt are preparing to bring a long chapter to an end, with the Germany international set to leave the club on a free transfer next summer when his current contract expires.
What had still seemed uncertain only a few weeks ago has now been made official, as Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken confirmed after the 2-1 away victory in Cologne that the two sides will not continue together beyond the end of the season.
The announcement marks the end of an important era for both player and club. Brandt arrived at Dortmund in 2019 from Bayer 04 Leverkusen as one of the most technically gifted German attackers of his generation, a player expected to bring creativity, versatility and attacking intelligence to one of the Bundesliga biggest clubs. Over the course of seven years, he became a familiar and often influential figure in the BVB side, contributing goals, assists and moments of quality across domestic and European competition.
According to Ricken, the decision was not the result of conflict or a sudden breakdown in relations, but rather the outcome of direct and honest discussions between the two parties. Speaking after the win in Cologne, he explained that there had been open conversations and that both sides ultimately agreed the expiring contract would not be renewed. His tone made it clear that the separation is being handled with respect rather than frustration, and that Dortmund view Brandt departure not as an acrimonious split, but as a natural turning point.
That aspect is particularly important given Brandt status at the club. He is not leaving after a short spell or as a peripheral squad member. By the time he departs, he will have spent seven seasons in Dortmund colours and will almost certainly surpass the milestone of 300 competitive appearances for the club. At the moment, he stands on 298 official matches and 56 goals, numbers that underline both his longevity and his contribution. In modern football, where constant turnover has become the norm, remaining a central figure at a club like Dortmund for that long is in itself a notable achievement.
Ricken made a point of highlighting exactly that. He spoke warmly about Brandt service to Borussia Dortmund, stressing that gratitude should be the dominant feeling around his departure. For a player who has often divided opinion among supporters, that public backing from one of the club top decision-makers carries weight. Brandt has at times been criticised for inconsistency, for drifting in and out of games, or for not always imposing his talent as decisively as some expected. Yet from within the club, there appears to be a strong sense that his overall body of work deserves appreciation rather than reduction to a few difficult spells.
That was reflected in Ricken further comments, in which he defended Brandt output and influence. He pointed out that even in Cologne, on the very night his future was being discussed publicly, Brandt still contributed with another assist. Ricken remarks about loving his numbers were telling, because they highlighted a perspective shaped by production and sustained contribution rather than purely by perception. Brandt has rarely been the loudest or most theatrical player on the pitch, but he has consistently posted respectable attacking returns from midfield and advanced areas, offering value through his passing, movement and ability to unlock games.
His role at Dortmund has also been more complex than raw statistics alone suggest. Brandt has often been used in multiple positions, whether as an attacking midfielder, a wide playmaker, a deeper creative presence or even in hybrid roles between midfield and attack. That tactical flexibility has made him useful to a succession of coaches, even if it has sometimes prevented him from settling into one clearly defined identity. At his best, he has been the kind of player capable of controlling rhythm, slipping clever passes into dangerous zones and creating decisive moments without always dominating headlines.
The fact that a contract renewal had still been under consideration recently makes the final outcome all the more notable. It suggests that Dortmund did seriously weigh the option of continuing with Brandt, but have now chosen a different strategic direction. Ricken comments hinted at that broader thinking. He noted that Brandt is approaching 30 and that the club may now look to reorient itself somewhat. That phrase points to a likely squad planning decision rather than a purely performance-based judgment. Dortmund appear to be entering a phase where refreshment, restructuring and perhaps a younger attacking profile are seen as necessary.
From Brandt perspective, the move could also represent a significant opportunity. After spending his entire Bundesliga career with only two clubs, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, he now faces the prospect of a fresh challenge at a stage where he still has plenty to offer. Leaving on a free transfer will make him an attractive option on the market, especially given his experience, technical quality and the fact that he has operated at a high level for many years. Clubs looking for a creative, intelligent and battle-tested attacking midfielder will naturally take notice.
Brandt professional journey deserves broader context as well. Before joining Dortmund, he had already established himself at Leverkusen, where he made 215 competitive appearances between 2014 and 2019. That period turned him from a highly regarded young talent into a proven Bundesliga performer. His move to Dortmund was supposed to elevate him further, and while opinions may differ on whether he fully reached the heights once predicted for him, his career at BVB has still been substantial. Winning the DFB Cup with the club ensured he added silverware to his time there, and his contribution across multiple campaigns gave Dortmund continuity in a period that included transition, title pushes and European nights.
What makes Brandt an interesting case is that he has often existed in the space between expectation and achievement. He has always been obviously talented, elegant on the ball and capable of producing moments of genuine class. That naturally led many to expect even more from him, perhaps a transformation into an undisputed star or a consistently dominant force. Instead, his Dortmund years offered a more nuanced story: not one of failure, but one of a very good player whose value was sometimes underappreciated because it did not always arrive in spectacular form. His contribution was often steady rather than explosive, intelligent rather than dramatic.
Now, with the end approaching, Dortmund seem keen to shape the narrative in a positive way. Ricken emphasis on appreciation suggests the club do not want Brandt final months to be overshadowed by speculation or negativity. Instead, there is an effort to recognise his service properly and allow both sides to move forward with dignity. That approach could prove beneficial for the remainder of the season, because Dortmund will still need Brandt focus and quality if they are to achieve their objectives before he departs.
There is also symbolic significance in the timing. Brandt is on the verge of reaching 300 competitive appearances for Borussia Dortmund, a landmark that will further cement his place in the clubs recent history. Not every player becomes a legend, but many still leave a meaningful mark, and Brandt clearly belongs in that category. Seven years at a club of Dortmund size, with goals, assists, trophies and hundreds of appearances, amount to a serious body of work.
As things stand, the coming months will likely be shaped by two parallel storylines. One is Dortmund own sporting future and how they continue to evolve their squad. The other is Brandt next destination and what type of challenge he chooses after leaving Signal Iduna Park. Whether he remains in Germany or seeks a move abroad, he will not enter the market as a fading figure, but as an experienced international footballer with strong technical pedigree and significant top-level mileage.
For now, though, the immediate focus remains on finishing the season strongly. Brandt still has matches to play, numbers to add and one more milestone to reach before the curtain falls on his Dortmund career. When he finally does leave, he will do so not as a forgotten squad player or a failed experiment, but as someone who gave Borussia Dortmund seven important years and whose departure reflects the changing needs of both club and player. In that sense, Ricken assessment feels accurate: this may well be a genuine opportunity for both sides to begin something new, while parting on respectful and appreciative terms.
