Borussia Dortmund are aiming to complete “one, two, three” further transfers before the start of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season, according to sporting director Lars Ricken. The club official outlined the plans in a media briefing on Tuesday 14 July, acknowledging frustration with the relatively slow pace of business so far this summer.
Dortmund have already brought in Joane Gadou, Kauã Prates and Justin Lerma during the current window, with Ricken highlighting the positive impact of the latter two, particularly in pre-season. He also pointed to the development of players previously on the books, such as Reggiani and Inácio, as effectively bolstering the squad depth.
However, Ricken stressed the importance of making the right signings, rather than rushing into deals that might offer short-term benefits but ultimately prove detrimental. “We want to make the right transfers and not just any transfers that get us short-term applause and then in November we suddenly have the problem,” he stated. The sporting director emphasized the need for patience in identifying targets who will contribute to long-term success.
He also placed expectations on players signed last summer – Carlos Silva, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Jude Bellingham – to continue their development and “take the next step.” Bellingham, of course, has since moved to Real Madrid, but Ricken’s comments reflect a broader belief in the potential of the existing squad. The club will be hoping that Silva and Chukwuemeka can fulfil their potential following a period of adaptation to the Bundesliga.
Dortmund finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season, missing out on Champions League qualification. Strengthening the squad is therefore a priority as they look to challenge for a top-four spot and return to Europe’s elite club competition. The focus appears to be on adding quality and depth without compromising the long-term vision of the club.
