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Lars Ricken: Borussia Dortmund is aiming for three really good ones this summer
Leagues 22 July 2026

Lars Ricken: Borussia Dortmund is aiming for three really good ones this summer

Sporting director Lars Ricken confirms that Borussia Dortmund wants to sign three more high-quality reinforcements this summer, with patience and focus on the right profiles.

Lars Ricken: Borussia Dortmund is aiming for three really good ones this summer

According to Soccernews.

Background

Lars Ricken, Borussia Dortmund's sporting director, has confirmed that the club is focusing on strengthening the squad with three quality signings. This is an important step for the club, which wants to reposition itself after a disappointing season and compete with other Bundesliga clubs.

Why this matters

Borussia Dortmund's ambition to sign three high-quality reinforcements this summer underlines the need to close the gap with Bayern Munich. After a disappointing season in which they finished second in the Bundesliga, it is crucial that the club strengthens itself to remain competitive. The right signings can not only improve the selection, but also positively influence the season outlook.

Key points

  • Lars Ricken: Borussia Dortmund is aiming for three really good ones this summer.
  • Sporting director Lars Ricken confirms that Borussia Dortmund wants to sign three more high-quality reinforcements this summer, with patience and focus on the right profiles.
  • Dortmund want to make 'three more really good transfers'.

Borussia Dortmund wants to make a strong push in the transfer market this summer. Sporting director Lars Ricken has confirmed that the club is focusing on "three really good transfers" to prepare the selection for the new season. After a disappointing year, in which Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga, sixteen points behind champions Bayern Munich and were eliminated in the play-off round of the Champions League by Atalanta, the need for reinforcement is clear. Under Niko Kovac, Dortmund secured Champions League football and conceded the fewest goals in the competition in 2025-26, but the gap with Bayern remained large and that is gnawing at Dortmund.

So far, it has been limited to two acquisitions for the future: the talented Joane Gadou and Justin Lerma were taken over from Salzburg and Independiente del Valle respectively. This fits in with the club's long-term philosophy, but Ricken emphasizes that quality for the first team must also be added this summer. “We want to make one, two, three really good transfers,” he said, adding that Dortmund does not want to make hasty decisions. The priority is on the right profiles that immediately make the team stronger, not on short-lived applause in August and problems in November.

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There are also possible outgoing transfers surrounding the selection. Serhou Guirassy and Felix Nmecha are linked with a departure, which makes the puzzle even more complex for Ricken and his team. Departures can create space and resources, but at the same time force precise timing in the market. Dortmund therefore opts for patience and precision, in line with the well-known club strategy: investing in talent, supplemented with targeted reinforcements that improve the balance in the team.

Ricken also pointed out that previously recruited players must take the next step next season. Theclub is banking on growth from last summer's signings – Fabio Silva, Carney Chukwuemeka and Jobe Bellingham – to boost the overall quality of the squad. Internal progression combined with three well-considered purchases should bring Dortmund closer to the prizes and intensify the competition with Bayern.

The first benchmark is not long in coming: on August 22, Dortmund will meet rival Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup. A week later, the Bundesliga campaign starts at home against Hamburg. That early top match and the opening round are a direct test for Kovac's new selection. With the transfer market still open and preparation in full swing, the coming period promises to be crucial. If the intended three reinforcements actually arrive and key players continue to develop, Dortmund can start 2026-27 with renewed ambition.

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What's happening now

With a focus on quality transfers, Borussia Dortmund will focus on signing players who can make an immediate impact in the Bundesliga. At the same time, they must keep an eye on the situation surrounding possible outgoing transfers of Guirassy and Nmecha. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the selection for the new season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Borussia Dortmund's current position in the Bundesliga?

Borussia Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga, sixteen points behind champions Bayern Munich.

Who are Borussia Dortmund's new signings so far?

So far, Borussia Dortmund has acquired Joane Gadou and Justin Lerma from Salzburg and Independiente del Valle.

What are Borussia Dortmund's plans for the transfer period?

Borussia Dortmund is aiming for three really good transfers this summer to strengthen the selection for the new season.

What was Borussia Dortmund's result in the Champions League?

Borussia Dortmund was eliminated by Atalanta in the play-off round of the Champions League.

When will Borussia Dortmund play their next match?

The specific date of Borussia Dortmund's next match is not mentioned in the article.

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