This is normally the time of the year when coaches and players not involved in the World Cup get a long-deserved break from football, but Niko Kovac has decided to cut his holiday short and hold important discussions on the future of Borussia Dortmund.
Will Karim Adeyemi Sign A New Contract At Borussia Dortmund?
Niko Kovac clearly didn't get the message of going on holiday and switching off from football, as he has since returned early to Borussia Dortmund, eager to discuss and put plans in place ahead of next season.
It has long been said that at the end of the season, Niko Kovac and the Borussia Dortmund hierarchy had discussions regarding the extension of Niko Kovac's contract, with Niko Kovac outlining some key factors he would need put in place in order for him to commit his future to the club.
Well, his early return from his holidays, according to BILD, further reinforced the idea that Niko Kovac means business next season, and he made that clear in the meeting he had with Borussia Dortmund's board on Tuesday this week.
Niko Kovac Wants To Assemble Elite Squad
In his mind, it is clear that the squad needs to be put together and assembled in a way that allows the club to not only compete on the domestic front but also in Europe's elite competition, the Champions League.
Karim Adeyemi controls the ball against Real Madrid CF defender Antonio Ruediger in the first half during a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesOne of the main parts of his squad that he feels needs to be addressed in this summer's transfer window is Julian Brandt's replacement. The German creative midfielder left Borussia Dortmund upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season just gone, following 7 years at the club.
Both Lars Ricken and Ole Book believe finding his replacement could help elevate Borussia Dortmund to new heights next season.
They ideally want someone who can not only do what Julian Brandt could do but also surpass the numbers and statistics that Julian Brandt produced, and they want a player who can do this immediately upon his arrival.
Karim Adeyemi's Contract Situation
Additionally, concerns are growing among Borussia Dortmund's board over the unresolved issue of Karim Adeyemi and his contract situation.
Karim Adeyemi's contract is up at the end of next season, and the club have been in talks over an extension for several months now.
However, talks appear to have stalled with the German forward, who is said to have been asking for a significant salary increase, compared to his current contract, as well as a release clause in his new deal.
Fluminense FC midfielder Nonato and Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi battle for control of the ball during the first half in a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mark Smith-Imagn ImagesBorussia Dortmund aren't at this moment in time willing to meet those demands and are trying to work on a solution that suits all parties, with the club keen on not losing Karim Adeyemi for nothing at the end of next season.
Author's Verdict - Good Signs, But Issues Need To Be Resolved Fast
This clearly shows that Niko Kovac means business next season and that he intends to compete on multiple fronts for major trophies next season, and by the sounds of it, he has the full backing of the Borussia Dortmund hierarchy.
What is needed, however, is to resolve the futures of some of Borussia Dortmund's biggest stars, with Karim Adeyemi's contract saga still rumbling on and players like Serhou Guirassy considering their futures at the club. Clarity on those issues is imperative for the club to move forward with its summer transfer plans.
