Report: Dortmund’s interest in Brandt remains

Kicker reports that Borussia Dortmund is still heavily interested in Julian Brandt, especially with his reported release clause of 25 million Euros. However, that interest remains on the condition of Brandt’s desire to leave, who will only look to stay in Leverkusen should the Werkself attain Champions League next season. Brandt followed that up by saying, “Eighth place is still possible (after this match). We can still go all the way up, and all the way down.”

That could ultimately be decided this upcoming Sunday when Peter Bosz’s side goes against another Champions League hopeful in Eintracht Frankfurt. Frankfurt currently sit at 4th place, although a Europa League match on Thursday and Sebastien Haller’s injury could give a slight advantage to their opponents. A loss on Sunday would push Leverkusen six points behind Frankfurt in the chase for Champions League qualification, a tangible boost to Zorc’s aspirations of bringing Brandt to Dortmund this summer.

Although Zorc has been looking into bringing Thorgan Hazard from Gladbach, adding Brandt could signal a larger rebuild this summer that initially thought. Although getting both Hazard and Brandt for the combined price of the outgoing Pulisic would be considered extraordinary business. That said, the rumored interest in Brandt could be a genuine option instead of Hazard, as Zorc looks to continue to negotiate that price down from the king’s ransom of 40 million Euros.