What Comes Next: Borussia Dortmund’s Challenges Ahead in the 2025–26 Season

Borussia Dortmund is one of the most decorated and popular teams in Germany, a multiple national champion and Champions League winner — consistently delighting fans with success and fresh talent. At the end of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, the German giant finished fourth, securing a Champions League spot thanks to its high pace, powerful finish, and unprecedented organization — five wins in their last five games. Experts are actively sharing today betting tips, reminding us that Borussia, after a difficult start to the season, managed to stabilize under the leadership of Niko Kovač, who took charge in February 2025.

Tactics, Training, and Plans Ahead of the 2025/26 Season

Kovač’s Borussia builds its game around quick counterattacks and disciplined defense, which in many aspects resembles the style of top Brazilian clubs. The team’s strong lineup allows it to maintain a leading position in leagues and tournaments. Ahead of the 2025/26 season, the Dortmund “Bees” underwent a major squad overhaul. The summer refresh affected almost all lines — from attack to goalkeeper.

  • Borussia faced several major challenges: significant roster changes and participation in the Club World Cup.
  • Due to the tournament, training started in early June.
  • In late July, the players will begin full preparation for the Bundesliga.
  • In the first half of August, the team will go to a training camp in Saalfelden.
  • Friendly matches are scheduled for July and August — against Sportfreunde (30/07) and Juventus (10/08). The game against Juventus will showcase the true level of the Bees. Based on the result, necessary adjustments may be made. Analysts believe that the clash with the Italian giant will be a serious test for the team.

Participation in the Club World Cup has significantly altered the training schedule. Players had to return from vacation a month earlier than usual. The key phase of training will take place in Saalfelden. Experts believe that five days of intensive training in perfect conditions will help the renewed squad develop cohesion and chemistry.

Major Signings and Painful Departures

Ramaj returns from his loan at Copenhagen. To strengthen the goalkeeping line, Drews joins from Bochum.

The defense also saw reinforcements:

  • Koulibaly remains at the club after his loan at Brest ends.

  • Couto returns permanently from Manchester.

  • Svensson is bought from Nordsjælland.

New young talents have arrived in midfield. Nineteen-year-old Bellingham — the brother of Real Madrid star Jude — boosts the lineup after returning from Sunderland. In attack, Haller joins from Utrecht and is in excellent shape to spearhead the offense.

The club has also felt the impact of departures from the main squad. Lotka left as a free agent. Vatian was loaned to Bochum. Chukwuemeka caught the interest of an English giant — the young and talented midfielder moved to Chelsea. Moukoko transferred to Copenhagen, never having secured a regular spot in Borussia’s starting eleven. But the most painful loss is considered to be Bynoe-Gittens. The London club managed to lure away one of Borussia’s most promising players.