RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Borussia Dortmund 26/27 Season Preview: Explosive Talent & The Yellow Wall, But Is Kovac The Manager To Mould A Meister?
For the first time in years, Borussia Dortmund are cautiously starting to look like they have the versatility needed for squad rotation across European and domestic fixtures—even though many players are new.
However, the club have lost two leaders in Kareem Adeyemi and Julian Brandt, who need replacing. Add the continuing debate about unsettled top striker Serhou Guirassy, who has disrupted the locker room, and it remains to be seen what additional signings ‘Die Schwarz-Gelben’ will bring in ahead of the September 1 deadline.
With 48 hours before the 2026/27 Bundesliga season starts, it’s time for an in-depth preview of Niko Kovac’s title contenders:
The Goalkeepers
Borussia Dortmund have an exceptional goalkeeper in three-time Switzerland international Gregor Kobel, and there will e little chance of anyone displacing the 28-year-old.
Kobel has great all-around ability and is impressive as a sweeper keeper, never afraid to get off his line and eliminate danger outside the box. Last season, the Zürich-born player showed his quality as a reliable shot-stopper who is handy with his feet and demonstrated sound judgement under considerable pressure. Kobel is starting to look like the best number one at the club since Roman Weidenfeller.
As for changes, Diant Ramaj has returned to FC Copenhagen, where he spent 24/25 on loan; 25/26 was spent at Heidenheim, and for now the 1.89m German-Kosovan is not needed.
The main reserve keeper is Alexander Meyer. The 1.95m keeper was one of the strongest assets at Jahn Regensburg, making 94 appearances in three seasons, but has made just 17 appearances for Dortmund in two seasons. Meyer has excellent command of the box and is a solid shot-stopper with good reflexes. There’s little chance of him being displaced as the number 1 reserve keeper.
A new arrival from VfL Bochum last season, Patrick Drewes could take over from Meyer if given the chance. Despite his commanding presence, strong shot-stopping in close-range situations, and 335 professional matches under his belt, the 33-year-old hasn’t made his first team debut yet and remains third choice.
Silas Ostrinski represents the future in goal. The 22-year-old local lad started the season as BVB II’s reserve keeper. A highly-regarded talent, he stands at an imposing 1.96m and plays as a traditional, line-holding, no-nonsense shot-stopper. Ostrinski has earned 3 caps for Germany at U20 level.
The Defence
Borussia Dortmund looked chaotic in defence at times during 24/25, conceding 51 goals. They mainly lacked the stability of a consistent line-up. Under Niko Kovac in 25/26, that improved drastically—albeit at the expense of attractive play. BVB conceded a respectable 34 last season.
With new signings and talents like Kaua Prates and Joane Gadou, there’s potential for improvement in the back line and defensive midfield, where highly-talented 16-time Germany U17 international Mussa Kaba is one to watch.
Kaba started the season in the BVB U19s, where he proved himself to be one of the bright spots and earned a first-team place at just 17. His towering stature, exceptional defensive abilities, and outstanding dueling could prove crucial assets.
Brazilian Kauã Prates joins from Cruzeiro as a versatile, physically strong, and technically gifted left-back. He excels at tackling, precise crossing, reading the game, and one-on-one defending. The 1.83m defender can develop into a reliable backup for first-choice Daniel Svensson.
The left-footed Swedish defender Svensson has been one of the club’s shrewdest signings in recent memory. He slotted straight into the first team and has featured in 45 matches in just one year. Equally effective in central midfield, the 22-year-old brings an incredible work ethic, tactical adaptability, and attacking threat. He’s quickly established himself as a key player for both club and country.
Joane Gadou is a 19-year-old French centre-back regarded as one of the top defensive prospects of his generation. He officially signed a long-term contract with Dortmund running until 2031 after transferring from Red Bull Salzburg. Gadou could emerge as one of the summer’s standout signings.
Norway international right-back Julian Ryerson initially drew criticism for lapses in concentration but has since developed into one of the league’s best in his position, attracting interest from abroad. He impresses with his relentless work ethic, defensive tenacity, physical intensity, and tactical flexibility across multiple defensive and midfield roles. Right now, it’s impossible to imagine the lineup without him.
For 18-year-old Luca Reggiani, the move to Dortmund has already paid dividends, earning him a senior call-up for Italy. The talent brings genuine quality. Standing at an imposing 1.94m, he’s widely regarded as one of the brightest young defensive talents in European football.
Another natural leader in defence is Waldemar Anton. During the 25/26 season, the veteran featured in all but two league games. With competition from Prates, Reggiani, and Gadou, it will be interesting to see if the 15-time Germany international—who has struggled to accelerate when needed, leading to avoidable goals—can maintain his starting role. Otherwise, Niko Kovac may shift him into midfield or to the bench this season.
The standout in the BVB defence is Nico Schlotterbeck. The 1.91m tall defender, with 29 senior caps for Germany, is fast and versatile with excellent aerial ability. With a strong left foot, the Waiblingen-born German is a confident ball-carrier whose ability to thread passes between the lines could add a new dimension to the club’s build-up play. Schlotterbeck is a smart investment with a high ceiling. He’s indispensable in aerial duels, and his absence in the early part of the season will need significant compensation.
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