Julian Brandt to leave Borussia Dortmund as free agent this summer
Julian Brandt will leave Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires this summer, with the midfielder confirming he is evaluating a number of options for his next club. The 29-year-old German international's departure was confirmed by the club, ending a five-year spell at Signal Iduna Park that began with a €25 million move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019.
Brandt addressed his future publicly following Dortmund's 1-0 defeat to Leverkusen on Saturday, his 302nd appearance for the club. Speaking to Sky Germany, he revealed that multiple possibilities are on the table but insisted he is in no rush to decide. "Let yourself be surprised. There are many ideas, not every idea is good, but there are many ideas," Brandt said. When pressed on potential destinations, he indicated a preference for certain leagues while not completely ruling out any scenario.
"In principle, I'm not ruling anything out. But there are things I prefer, and there are things I currently find harder to imagine," Brandt stated. Reports from Germany suggest the attacking midfielder has attracted significant interest from clubs in the Premier League and Serie A, with a move within the Bundesliga considered less likely. His status as a free agent makes him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking creative quality without a transfer fee.
For now, Brandt emphasized his commitment to Dortmund's remaining objectives this season. The club is entrenched in a tight battle for Champions League qualification in the Bundesliga and remains active in this season's competition. "You don't have to rush things. We are slowly approaching the end of the season now, but we still have important games ahead of us," he said. He added that it would be unfair to the club to begin intensive negotiations immediately, pledging to finish his tenure properly before focusing on his next chapter.
Brandt's departure marks the end of a significant era for Dortmund, where he developed into a key figure under multiple managers. Initially deployed on the wing, he found his most influential form in recent seasons as a central attacking midfielder, renowned for his vision and technical ability. He has contributed 49 goals and 59 assists during his time with Dortmund, playing a pivotal role in their 2023 Bundesliga title challenge that went to the final day. His experience and proven performance in both domestic and European football will make him a valuable addition to his next club.
The coming months will see speculation intensify as clubs formalize their interest. Brandt's decision will hinge on sporting project, playing time, and likely financial terms. His exit is part of a broader transition anticipated at Dortmund this summer, with several first-team players facing uncertain futures. For Brandt, a fresh challenge awaits after over 300 appearances in black and yellow, with his next move set to define the latter stage of his career.
