Borussia Dortmund News: Felix Paschke Retires at 23 as Bartosz Mazurek Emerges as a Transfer Watch
Borussia Dortmund supporters have received a mix of difficult news, transfer speculation and updates from a familiar former coach. Midfielder Felix Paschke has ended his playing career at just 23 after a series of injuries, while reports suggest BVB could renew their interest in RB Salzburg prospect Bartosz Mazurek. Former Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has also explained why he took time away from football before returning to the touchline with Athletic Bilbao.
Here is a closer look at the latest developments around Dortmund, including what they could mean for the club and its supporters.
Felix Paschke ends his football career at 23
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Felix Paschke is retiring from professional football. The midfielder, who was part of the club’s reserve setup, made the difficult decision after injuries repeatedly disrupted his efforts to establish himself on the pitch.
Paschke joined Dortmund in 2024 from Hamburger SV’s reserve team. His time at BVB, however, was severely limited by physical setbacks: he made only 16 appearances and has not played since a friendly in January 2025. A cruciate ligament injury was followed by further problems, leaving him unable to complete the comeback he had worked towards.
U23 sporting director Ingo Preuß described the news as deeply regrettable, highlighting Paschke’s commitment and determination. According to the club’s statement, the midfielder continued working towards a return right up to the end, despite the length and difficulty of his recovery.
Paschke also thanked his teammates, coaches, club officials, medical staff and other employees for supporting him throughout his time in Dortmund. He said he had felt welcome from the beginning and remained encouraged during his long spell on the sidelines. Although his playing career has ended, he plans to keep following the team’s progress.
A reminder of the toll injuries can take
Paschke’s retirement is a sobering example of how quickly injuries can alter a young player’s prospects. A serious knee injury can require months of rehabilitation, and subsequent complications may make a return even more challenging. For reserve players, who are often still trying to build match rhythm and earn opportunities, long absences can make that process particularly demanding.
His departure is therefore more than a squad update. It is a personal loss for a player who had hoped to continue competing, and a reminder of the work carried out by medical and rehabilitation teams behind the scenes in professional football.
BVB reportedly keeping an eye on RB Salzburg’s Bartosz Mazurek
Transfer speculation has also connected Dortmund with Bartosz Mazurek, a young central midfielder now playing for RB Salzburg. Polish outlet WP SportoweFakty reports that BVB monitored the player last season, when Brighton & Hove Albion were also said to be tracking his development.
Mazurek moved to Salzburg from his hometown club, Jagiellonia Białystok, in the summer for a reported fee of six million euros. The 19-year-old has since made a promising start in Austria, featuring regularly and recording two goals and three assists across 15 appearances in all competitions.
His profile may appeal to Dortmund: he is a right-footed central midfielder, stands 1.84 metres tall and has already gained experience in a competitive senior environment. Regular involvement at Salzburg can offer a young player a valuable platform, particularly at a club known for developing emerging talent and giving prospects meaningful first-team opportunities.
Transfer prediction: a name to monitor, not a confirmed target
For now, reports of Dortmund’s interest should be treated as speculation rather than confirmation of an active transfer pursuit. A previous scouting assessment does not necessarily mean BVB are preparing a bid, and Salzburg’s willingness to sell would also be a major factor. Mazurek’s age, recent move and current progress could all influence any future decision.
Still, the link fits a familiar recruitment pattern: Dortmund have often looked for young players with room to develop and the potential to grow into important first-team roles. If Mazurek continues producing goals and assists from midfield, he could remain on the radar of clubs across Europe. Any prediction about his next move, however, will depend on his performances and the plans of both Salzburg and the player.
Edin Terzic explains his break after leaving Dortmund
Former Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic has spoken about the time he spent away from management after leaving the club at the end of the 2023/24 season. In an interview with kicker, the 43-year-old said the break was a deliberate choice after what he described as an intense first role as a head coach.
Terzic wanted time to reflect on his experience and reconnect with family and friends after years shaped by the demands of professional football. His comments offer a glimpse of the personal considerations that can follow a high-pressure managerial job, particularly after a long spell in the public eye.
He has since taken charge of Athletic Bilbao, a move he said developed through conversations and a growing sense that the Basque club was the right fit. Terzic explained that when he compared his options, he repeatedly found himself drawn back to Athletic.
Bilbao’s start to the season has been uneven, but the side had begun to steady itself in LaLiga, collecting eight points from six matches. Its seventh league fixture was abandoned at 0-0 after objects were thrown onto the pitch by supporters of opponents Rayo Vallecano. The incident interrupted play and overshadowed the match, underlining the unpredictable challenges that can arise during a season.
Borussia Dortmund’s upcoming fixtures
Dortmund face a demanding run of matches across domestic and European competitions. The listed schedule includes a Champions League trip to Bodø/Glimt, a Bundesliga meeting with Union Berlin and another European fixture against Sabah FK:
- Wednesday, 14 October, 9 p.m.: Bodø/Glimt vs Borussia Dortmund — Champions League
- Saturday, 17 October, 3:30 p.m.: Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund — Bundesliga
- Tuesday, 20 October, 6:45 p.m.: Sabah FK vs Borussia Dortmund — Champions League
These fixtures will test Dortmund’s depth and consistency, particularly as the team balances league demands with European competition. Supporters will be watching for updates on squad availability, form and tactical choices as the schedule intensifies.
What the latest BVB news means
Paschke’s retirement is the most emotional development, bringing an end to a young player’s hopes of returning to competitive football. Mazurek, meanwhile, is a prospect worth following, although any suggestion of a Dortmund transfer remains unconfirmed. Terzic’s comments provide a personal perspective on life after BVB and his new challenge in Spain.
For Dortmund fans, the coming weeks will bring fresh football storylines on and off the pitch. The club’s next results may shape the season’s momentum, while emerging talent and transfer reports will continue to fuel discussion. As always, the most reliable prediction will come from what happens in matches—not speculation alone.
