soccer - BVB is looking for new leaders: Who replaces Reus and Hummels?
At first glance, everything seems normal. Upon Borussia Dortmund's arrival in Japan, autograph hunters form lines once again. However, the excitement over the Champions League finalist's visit is focused less on individual professionals this time. The departures of Marco Reus and Mats Hummels have left the Bundesliga team missing two prominent brand ambassadors with special charisma.
"Marco was a superstar in Asia. He and Mats were absolute fan favorites. We have lost two prominent faces," admitted business manager Carsten Cramer.
The departure of the duo complicates marketing activities in Asia, but the embarrassing 0:4 loss against Pathum United in Bangkok on the previous Sunday cannot be fully explained by this. The climate and time zone adjustment, tight schedule, and the use of many young players from the U23 and U19 teams, who had traveled as replacements for the missing EM participants, were also contributing factors.
"Marco and Mats were not only important players, but also important characters in our team. I'm sure we have one, two players who can take on that role," said Julian Brandt to "Ruhr Nachrichten." The midfielder is one of those whom Sahin has identified as potential leaders. After all, he is already in his sixth season with BVB and has worn the number ten jersey since recently. "I see myself as responsible for that as well," Brandt said.
Brandt wearing the captain's armband during the Bangkok test is seen by many observers as an additional indicator of a new role. "He is a player with experience, quality, and leadership skills. And he wants to regain that," commented new sports chief Lars Ricken. In addition to national defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton, Sahin may have identified other leaders.
Plans for a new team hierarchy have implications for personnel planning. After the departures of Anton and Serhou Guirassy, further professionals are to be signed. The planned transfer of national player Pascal Groß from the Premier League club Brighton is only a matter of the transfer fee. Additionally, external full-backs Yan Couto (Manchester City) and Mittelfeldspieler Rayan Cherki (Olympique Lyon) are being considered as candidates.
It remains open for which club the 35-year-old veterans Reus and Hummels will play in the future. While there are daily new rumors, nothing concrete has been confirmed yet. The latest headlines are caused by Hummels, who is linked with Real Madrid by the Italian sports newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport." However, according to Spanish media, there is nothing to it.
Italy in Sight
More likely than a transfer to Real Madrid is a move to Italy. Champions League participant FC Bologna is reportedly interested in signing the 2014 World Cup winner. A move to Italy would have the advantage for Hummels of being closer to his Munich-based son, who is starting school in the summer. "The private aspect is an issue. Considering my son, who is going to school in the summer. It's important that this can be arranged," Hummels revealed in his last weeks with BVB.
Reus is also still looking for a new challenge. After twelve years with his hometown club, the Dortmund native is feeling the urge for "a new adventure." Rumors of a transfer to the Ronaldo-club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia seem baseless. The offensive all-rounder is allegedly considering a move to the Major League Soccer. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Reus is on the verge of a move to the US club Los Angeles Galaxy.
It's possible that Reus may return to BVB after a hiatus in the overseas. Club boss Hans-Joachim Watzke offered him a job: "We hope very much that he will return to BVB after his professional career, as there are enough exciting tasks waiting for him in Dortmund."
- Despite the absence of Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund continued their Japan tour, facing autograph seekers with less individual focus.
- Carsten Cramer acknowledged the impact of Reus and Hummels' departures, stating they were not only crucial players but also beloved figures in the team.
- Julian Brandt, identified as a potential leader by Nuri Sahin, expressed his readiness to step up in the team, following the departure of Reus and Hummels.
- The disappointing 0:4 loss against Pathum United in Bangkok on Sunday was partially attributed to the team's tight schedule, climate adjustment, and the use of young players.
- Sahin is reportedly considering other leaders besides Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton, as plans for a new team hierarchy unfold.
- The potential transfer of Pascal Groß from Brighton and interests in Yan Couto and Rayan Cherki are indicative of Borussia Dortmund's efforts to reinforce their squad.
- Mats Hummels is reportedly considering a move to Italy, with FC Bologna expressing interest, as it would provide him with a more convenient location for his son's education.
- Meanwhile, Marco Reus is seeking new challenges after a successful 12-year tenure with his hometown club, and rumors of a transfer to Los Angeles Galaxy are circulating.
- Borussia Dortmund's club boss Hans-Joachim Watzke hinted at the possibility of Reus returning to the club after completing his professional career.
- The climate and time zone adjustment, along with the use of young players, contributed to Borussia Dortmund's struggles in their Bangkok match, complicating their efforts to maintain their fan base in Asia.
