Bundesliga
Kovač gives transfers update
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač has called for patience and intelligence in his team's transfer activity this summer as the club prepare to compete on three fronts once again in 2025/26.
The 53-year-old, who inspired Dortmund to a revival after taking charge in late January, lifting them to fourth and into the UEFA Champions League, told Sport Bild: "We need a big squad with top quality. If you are juggling three competitions, then you need that. We have some catching up to do after sneaking into the Champions League in fourth place."
Kovač recognised the challenges in transfer planning, however, saying: "The market is not easy, with wealthy English Premier League clubs competing with us for players.
"We need to be very clever. It might take some time. We have to make rational decisions, after all - not emotional ones."
The signing of 19-year-old midfield talent Jobe Bellingham in June has been the standout transfer in Dortmund's summer so far, with loan deals for Yan Couto and Daniel Svensson also made permanent. Jamie Gittens has been the club's highest-profile departure, signing for Chelsea.
Kovač outlined his aims for the new season by saying: "We want to get into the Champions League as quickly as possible this time. We need to make good decisions for that. We are extremely ambitious."
Dortmund begin their new season with a DFB Cup trip to Rot-Weiss Essen on Monday, before opening their Bundesliga campaign at St. Pauli on Saturday, 23 August.