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German media: Dortmund faces similar dilemma as Bayern, and historical problems leave little transfer budget this summer

4:59pm, 20 May 2025【Football】

May 20th, Dortmund narrowly saved his qualifying for the Champions League next season in the last round of the season. German media Sports1 said that the club's next task is to transform the squad in the summer. However, due to the legacy of previous signings and high salaries, this transfer window will be very complicated for Dortmund.

After defeating Kiel last weekend, coach Kovac was cheered by fans as a savior. Although he was happy, he also warned: "In general, we are all happy, but there is no reason to celebrate." Kovac was very clear that despite the high mood now, the summer will still face some difficult problems.

SPORT1 reporters Seidel Ball and Mueller talked about these challenges and how historical issues affect the team’s atmosphere in the podcast program Dortmund Weekly. First of all, this Champions League qualification has brought no less than 100 million euros in revenue. Seidel Ball: "Missing the Champions League will be a disaster, and the income from other European competitions is insignificant. The entrance fee for the Champions League alone is richer than the prize money for winning the UEFA Champions League championship."

Can so many Texas now spend a lot of money to introduce big-name players? The answer is probably not, because the funds available for lineup planning are quite limited now. Seidel Ball: "Some players' salaries, such as Jule, have reached an amazing level. In addition, it will cost at least 25 million euros to introduce Jan Cootto alone - this is just a transfer fee. This money has been reserved."

The reporter also pointed out that since the team entered the Champions League, those contracts linked to the results cannot be reduced. In addition, Dortmund needs further funds to tie Schlottbeck to the club for a long time. It is reported that he may double his salary after renewal.

sports director Kyle made it clear in a previous show: "We want to save salary and expenditure", and the two Dortmund reporters said Kyle must do the same, because the current lineup is swallowing up a budget of about 200 million euros.

Sedelbauer: "Mukkoko and Ale combined to take nearly 20 million euros in salary, but the return is zero. And the situation will not change in a short period of time," but the reporter expressed doubts about whether Dortmund can sell the two players "in profitable places".

Another reporter Mueller added: "That's why Dortmund will be almost forced to sell players like Gittens when the right offer comes. They need the money."

Kyle also talked about the young player's possible departure in the summer: "He must have a market: he is a very interesting player. We will start negotiations now. If there is a offer, we have to deal with it."

And according to SPORT1, selling Gittens is almost a must for Dortmund to make a transfer like Cherki or Bellingham Jr. - these two are Dortmund's signing targets this summer.

It is worth mentioning that a club has made aggressive efforts in salary structure in the past, which is not an isolated case, and Bayern Munich also has similar problems. Mueller said: "When Heness pointed out that Bayern must consider very, very carefully who they want to introduce, my alarm rings. Their salary scale is completely different. The current situation will be a huge challenge for Kyle. On the one hand, it must strengthen the lineup in a targeted manner, and on the other hand, it must save money." The report concluded that although the revenue from the Champions League and the lucrative Club World Cup can buffer high expenditures, Dortmund still finds it difficult to truly breathe a sigh of relief due to the historical financial burden.