When the black-and-yellow faithful ask who should Borussia Dortmund sign, they’re not just wondering about names on paper — they’re dreaming of reinforcements who bring another layer of ambition, character, and game-changing quality. At a club famed for youth development, daring transfers, and an eye for the next shining star, the next signing needs to feel inevitable — not desperate. In this article, AngGoal will examine Dortmund’s current strengths and weaknesses, propose ideal targets (realistic and wildcards), and build a transfer blueprint that balances hunger with identity.
Current squad shape and glaring needs
Before proposing names, we must understand where Dortmund stands. The 2025 arrivals list already includes Jobe Bellingham, signed. The club also made Daniel Svensson’s move permanent after a loan stint; he adds versatility in midfield or left-back roles.wikipedia.org]) But the transfers so far haven’t fixed some long-identified weak spots.
A recent analysis suggests Dortmund’s most critical reinforcement zones are centre-back, left-back, and defensive midfield. Historic transfer summaries show that summer window signings were modest and opportunistic. rmarkt.us]) As one rumour roundup put it, BVB entered the post–Club World Cup window with a transfer budget of about €40 million. Therefore, the next signings must be smart, positionally urgent, and offer growth or resale value.
From outgoing moves: Jamie Gittens moved to Chelsea in a high-value deal. ters]) Meanwhile, Soumaïla Coulibaly left for Strasbourg after struggling to cement a place. These departures amplify gaps: in wide attacking options, full-back coverage, and depth in defence.
In short: Dortmund need to sign reliable defenders and a midfield enforcer — while still chasing creative spark and goal threat. For the ambitious rebuild, here are the prioritized needs:
- Centre-back: injection of youth or experience
- Defensive midfielder / anchor: shielding the defense
- Left-back / winger: width and balance
- Attacking depth: rotation and variation
Ideal targets: who should Borussia Dortmund sign now
Below is a mix of serious rumours, smart fits, and long-shot gambles — categorized by how they address deficits. These are names BVB should seriously consider, each offering a different dimension.
1. Reinforce the spine: defence & midfield
Angelo Stiller (defensive midfield)
A German talent often linked to stronger clubs, Stiller provides defensive cover, solid passing, and tactical intelligence. He’s already been a rumoured target for Liverpool. For Dortmund, he could step in as the “6” who transitions attack to defence.
Loïc Badé (centre-back)
Tall, aggressive, and with experience in European leagues, Badé could bring physicality and stability to a backline that sometimes leaks in transitions. He ticks the box of a modern defender who is comfortable on the ball.
Wilfried Singo (full-back / wing-back)
Though more known for attacking drive than pure defensive skill, Singo gives width,ping runs, and athleticism — something that helps both defence and attack. Rumour lists indicate Dortmund have monitored him.
2. Boost attacking options
Gustav Isaksen (wing / forward)
A frequent name in fan wish-lists, Isaksen consistently emerges in transfer speculation. His 1v1 skills, right-wing ability, and unpredictability make him a candidate who can change games. vbbuzz.com])
Rayan Cherki (attacking midfield / winger)
Still young and flashy, Cherki embodies Dortmund’s philosophy: high upside, flair risk, but offering creative punch. His name has appeared in BVB rumour columns. VB Buzz])
Tom Bischof (midfield)
A younger, lesser-known option — but Bischof could represent the future. Some windows have speculated his move to Dortmund as a long-term midfield piece.
3. Wildcard / high ceiling picks
Victor Lindelöf (defensive utility)
A more experienced, perhaps lower-risk option — Lindelöf can slot in defense or defensive midfield. While not a traditional Dortmund kind of signing, he offers leadership.
Felix Nmecha (midfield)
If Dortmund decides to swing bigger, Nmecha offers box-to-box energy and technical skill. He’s been linked in some rumor feeds. ibuna.com])
Balancing ambition with identity
For Dortmund, transfers are never purely “which names are available” — identity matters. The club needs to preserve its reputation as a cradle of youth and a stepping stone for greater careers. Over-investing in veterans risks diluting that DNA. Fans expect the next Haaland, the next Dembele, the next Bellingham — not just stopgaps.
So the ideal mix is:
–core defensive signing* — someone steady, maybe mid-20s, to lead from the back
- A young midfield disruptor — someone with resale potential
- A creative spark in attack — someone who brings unpredictability
- Occasional veteran signings to mentor younger talents
In recruiting Angelo Stiller + Loïc Badé + Gustav Isaksen, for instance, Dortmund blend solidity with flair, investment with upside.
Also, contract strategy matters — frequently, Dortmund lets young players go on well-timed sales. The next signings should come with structured release clauses, performance incentives, and pathways for development.
Tactical rationale: how these signings could plug the gaps
- Protecting Jobe Bellingham: With the club having just signed him, Dortmund must shield a young midfield star. A defensive midfielder like Stiller would give Bellingham freedom to express himself.
- Fixing defensive frailties: Even with Schlotterbeck returning. Badé or a stable pairing would reduce moments of vulnerability.
- Providing attacking options: With Gittens sold, the wide and forward slots need replenishment. Isaksen or Cherki can relieve pressure on Adeyemi and Guirassy.
- Rotation and competition: In European or cup fixtures, having fresh legs up front or in midfield is vital. These signings deepen the squad.
Potential obstacles and smart solutions
- Budget constraints: With rumors of €40 million available, Dortmund cannot overspend frivolously. Prioritization is key.
- Wage structure and valuation: Dortmund must avoid bloated contracts — they should leverage performance-based wages and resale incentives.
- Convincing talent to join: Some targets might prefer “bigger” clubs. Dortmund must pitch a vision: Champions League, youth development, stepping stone success stories.
- Integration time: New signings must be integrated carefully, especially when rotation is high. The technical staff must plan onboarding.
Summary of ideal signings
|
Position |
Priority Target(s) |
Role / Benefit |
|
Defensive midfield |
Angelo Stiller |
Anchor, defensive shield, frees creative midfielders |
|
Centre-back |
Loïc Badé |
Physical, modern defender for consistent backline durability |
|
Full-back / wing-back |
Wilfried Singo |
Adds width, overlapping runs, defensive dynamism |
|
Winger / attacker |
Gustav Isaksen, Rayan Cherki |
Game-breakers, 1v1 ability, attacking variety |
|
Midfield depth |
Tom Bischof |
Younger, developmental option for rotational depth |
Each name above corresponds to a strategic slot — but none should be considered independently. Dortmund’s next window should aim for two to three signings across defense, midfield, and attack — not a full overhaul.
Conclusion
Who should Borussia Dortmund sign? The answer isn’t in a single name — it’s in a strategic, balanced recruitment plan. Dortmund need to match urgency with vision. Defensive solidity, a midfield anchor, and attacking sparkle must come together. If BVB can land a stout centre-back or enforcer, a creative winger, and a youth-infused midfield talent, the squad would be ready to compete again at Germany’s summit and deepen its European ambitions.
AngGoal encourages you to follow the upcoming windows closely. In the next months, watch for developments involving the names above — and keep your eyes on how Dortmund negotiate, strategize, and execute.
What name excites you most as a potential BVB signing? Let’s start the debate — and keep returning to AngGoal for updates, analyses, and inside tracking of who should Borussia Dortmund sign next.
