Borussia Dortmund is undergoing significant changes as the Bundesliga club prepares to adapt to the unexpected loss of promising talent Julian Hettwer, who is set to join Fortuna Düsseldorf on a free transfer. The 21-year-old striker, who transitioned from MSV Duisburg to Dortmund's U23 squad in the summer of 2023, established himself as a key player, shining with an impressive record of 17 goal involvements in just 18 third division games.
Hettwer's situation is complicated due to a provision in his contract. Normally, a player's contract would automatically extend upon making an appearance for the first team. However, a persistent back injury has sidelined him since January, preventing him from making his debut in the Bundesliga. This unfortunate circumstance allows him to leave Dortmund without a transfer fee this summer, significantly impacting both his career trajectory and the club's future.
The competition for Hettwer was stiff; several clubs, including 1. FC Köln, Greuther Fürth, 1. FC Heidenheim, and FC Augsburg, expressed interest. Ultimately, though, Fortuna Düsseldorf secured his signature, something the club views as a major coup. The move is expected to bolster Düsseldorf's offensive line significantly, adding a player with exceptional potential.
For Borussia Dortmund, losing Hettwer poses a serious challenge, particularly for the U23 team, which now faces relegation struggles without their top scorer leading the offense. Dortmund's reputation for developing young talents into superstars makes this loss more poignant, underscoring the difficulties even elite clubs face in retaining talent.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund has also seen another prominent figure, Donyell Malen, depart for Aston Villa, where he moved in January 2025 for a transfer fee of 25 million Euros. Malen's departure has reignited discussions within the football community, particularly because the transfer was influenced by his fellow countryman, Ian Maatsen. Maatsen, who played 23 matches for Dortmund on loan in the second half of the 2023/2024 season, advised Malen to take the plunge into the Premier League.
Discussing their friendship, Maatsen stated, "I'm close to him and I'm happy he moved to Aston Villa. It’s nice to share the pitch with him because we know each other inside out." This bond is proving beneficial as Maatsen has settled well at Aston Villa, having joined the club in the summer of 2024.
Malen's transition to Villa has been both exciting and challenging; he is still finding his footing as a consistent first-team player. The club itself is enjoying a stellar season, having advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain. They have previously claimed significant victories over FC Bayern, RB Leipzig, and FC Brügge in this season's campaign.
Expressing optimism about their future, Maatsen noted, "We have a similar chance to advance to the next round and hope we can achieve that." His words resonate well with Aston Villa fans, who are eager to see their club make a mark in Europe.
On a brighter note for Borussia Dortmund, national team player Felix Nmecha has returned to the training ground, recovering from a knee ligament injury sustained in a Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen at the end of January. Posting a video on social media, Nmecha shared his excitement, stating, "It’s a great feeling. I hope it won’t be long" before he rejoins the team fully.
Nmecha, who scored his first international goal in a November 2024 Nations League match against Hungary, is expected to be a significant asset upon his return, further enhancing Dortmund's midfield depth and overall team dynamics.
In summary, Borussia Dortmund is at a pivotal juncture. As they prepare for life without two of their outgoing talents, the club must also navigate the exciting return of Nmecha to the squad. While the losses of Hettwer and Malen are painful for fans and the team alike, Dortmund's commitment to nurturing young talents and integrating them into a competitive squad remains unwavering. The challenges ahead will test the club's resilience, but there is optimism embedded in their tradition of success and development.
