From statement signing to exit doors - Sule's Dortmund spell ends here

When Borussia Dortmund signed Niklas Sule on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2023, it was hailed as a statement move. A leader, a title symbol, the defender meant to spearhead a new challenge to the Bavarians' dominance.

Instead, the story has unravelled very differently.

Even though Sule could feature against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday night (10.30 pm), the internal decision has effectively been made: Dortmund will not renew his contract.

The 30-year-old, one of the club's highest earners on around €14 million per year, has slipped down the pecking order and is now viewed as centre-back number five, behind Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini, Aaron Anselmino and captain Emre Can.

Nothing has been announced publicly, but within the club Sule's departure next July is considered inevitable. Dortmund are already actively searching for a new central defender.

Ironically, injury problems may hand Sule one last opportunity.

Sahin's centre-back headache

With Bensebaini away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Anton and Anselmino sidelined by muscle injuries, personnel shortages mean the former Bayern man is expected to start against Gladbach. A final audition, perhaps, but unlikely to change his fate.

Sule's time at Dortmund has been a bitter mismatch of promise and reality. Fitness issues, recurring injuries, constant debates about his weight and a muscle tear just before the start of the season prevented him from ever finding rhythm. The plans were ambitious; the execution never followed.

Back in February, new coach Niko Kovac was optimistic, insisting a fully fit Sule could still be a candidate for the 2026 World Cup. Eight months later, that vision feels distant. Sule's market value has collapsed from a peak of €60 million in 2019 to just €8 million, and this season he has played only four competitive matches - a mere 191 minutes.

Former Bayern player out of favor in Dortmund

Even his biggest chance, away at Bayern in October, slipped through his fingers. After a weak first half, he was substituted at the break.

All signs now point in one direction. Dortmund and Sule are heading for a definitive split - the end of a move that once promised so much, but delivered far too little.

BUNDESLIGA - MATCHDAY 15

Friday

22.30: (1.60) Dortmund (4.60) M' gladbach (5.40)

Saturday

17.30: (2.30) Augsburg (3.65) Werder (3.15)

17.30: (2.70) Hamburger (3.35) Eintr.Frankfurt (2.60)

17.30: (2.40) Koln (3.45) Union Berlin (3.15)

17.30: (2.05) Stuttgart (4.00) Hoffenheim (3.45)

17.30: (2.50) Wolfsburg (3.55) Freiburg (2.85)

20.30: (2.15) RB Leipzig (3.50) Leverkusen (3.30)

Sunday

17.30: (2.00) Mainz (3.50) St.Pauli (4.10)

19.30: (17.0) Heidenheim (10.5) Bayern (1.15)

***odds are subject to change***