Borussia Dortmund Move Early to Avoid Another Contract Standoff
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly planning to accelerate contract talks with several key players after reflecting on the departure of Karim Adeyemi. The Bundesliga club is keen to avoid a repeat of the drawn-out situation that ended with the winger leaving for Barcelona, and has identified Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton and Julian Ryerson as priorities.
According to Bild, all three players are contracted to Dortmund until 2028. Rather than waiting until their deals enter their final stages, the club wants to open discussions early and gain greater certainty over its long-term squad planning. The approach reflects a wider reality in modern football: clubs that delay negotiations can find themselves with less leverage, especially when a player attracts interest from elsewhere.
What Dortmund Learned from the Adeyemi Transfer
Adeyemi’s contract was originally due to expire in 2027. Dortmund initially hesitated over an extension but later approached the 24-year-old about improving his terms during the final months of last season. By then, however, the forward had made clear that he intended to leave the following year.
Dortmund subsequently negotiated with Barcelona, who reportedly paid a transfer fee of €22 million to secure his services. The agreement gave the German club a return rather than risking a future departure for less, but the outcome has reportedly left officials dissatisfied.
The reason is easy to understand. Adeyemi has made an impressive start in Spain, registering seven goal contributions across his first ten competitive appearances for Barcelona. His early form has strengthened the view inside Dortmund that the club was right to pursue an extension—and that it may have been wiser to begin those conversations sooner.
That does not necessarily mean Dortmund could have persuaded Adeyemi to stay. A player’s ambitions, role in the team and interest from other clubs all shape a contract decision. But an earlier start might have given Dortmund more time to assess its options, negotiate from a stronger position or plan for a replacement without the pressure of a looming departure.
Anton Could Be the Easiest Extension to Complete
Among the three players now in focus, talks with Waldemar Anton are reportedly viewed as the most straightforward. The centre-back has become an important part of Dortmund’s defensive structure since joining the club and has built a strong partnership with Nico Schlotterbeck.
Anton’s value is particularly clear when Schlotterbeck is unavailable. The defender has taken on added responsibility during injury-related absences, helping to organise the back line and provide experience in a demanding position. For Dortmund, securing a longer commitment from a reliable central defender would offer continuity in an area where stability is essential.
Defensive partnerships often depend on communication and familiarity as much as individual ability. Extending Anton’s contract could therefore help Dortmund maintain a settled foundation, rather than having to search for a replacement and rebuild its defensive relationships. If both sides are aligned on his role and future, an agreement may be achievable without a prolonged negotiation.
Ryerson’s Form Could Attract More Attention
Dortmund are also reportedly preparing to speak with Julian Ryerson, with discussions expected in November. The Norwegian has become a useful and versatile option, offering energy, defensive commitment and the ability to contribute in wide areas. His adaptability gives the coaching staff valuable flexibility over the course of a long season.
There is an additional reason to act promptly: clubs in England have reportedly shown tentative interest in Ryerson. That interest may not yet amount to a concrete offer, but it underlines the risk of allowing a player’s contract situation to drift. A new deal could reassure Dortmund that an important squad member is part of the club’s plans while making it harder for potential suitors to test their resolve.
For Ryerson, the decision may depend on more than salary. Regular playing time, his preferred position and Dortmund’s ambitions in the Bundesliga and European competition are all likely to matter. A clear sporting plan could be just as persuasive as improved financial terms.
Kobel’s Future May Depend on the Goalkeeping Market
Gregor Kobel is also considered a good candidate to extend his stay, according to the report. The 28-year-old has established himself as a key figure at Dortmund, and the club is understood to want to keep him beyond 2028.
The main uncertainty may be whether an opportunity arises at an elite European club. Kobel could reconsider his options if a starting position became available at one of football’s biggest sides. So far, no such opening has reportedly emerged, leaving Dortmund with a chance to secure the goalkeeper’s future before the market shifts.
Keeping an established goalkeeper can be especially important for a team’s overall structure. A confident presence behind the defence can improve communication, support a high defensive line and provide consistency across competitions. For Dortmund, a contract extension would reduce the possibility of needing to address a major position while also managing other squad changes.
What the Contract Strategy Means for Dortmund
Dortmund’s reported plan is a form of risk management. Early negotiations do not guarantee that every player will sign, but they can give the club more time to understand each player’s expectations and respond to outside interest. They also help sporting officials make better decisions about recruitment, budgets and the balance of the squad.
The challenge is finding the right moment. Starting talks too late can leave a club exposed; moving too early can involve committing significant resources before a player’s role or value is fully clear. Dortmund will need to weigh each case individually, taking into account performance, age, ambition and the availability of alternatives.
For supporters following the club’s season, these negotiations could become an important storyline alongside results on the pitch. Any football prediction about Dortmund’s future should consider not only the team’s form but also whether it can retain the players who provide its defensive stability and tactical flexibility.
A smooth outcome with Anton, Ryerson and Kobel would signal that Dortmund has taken the Adeyemi experience seriously. The club may not be able to prevent every high-profile departure, but acting earlier could help it avoid rushed decisions—and ensure that its next transfer story is shaped by planning rather than timing.
