Brandt extends with Dortmund

It will come as little surprise to Dortmund observers that Die Schwarzgelben have chosen to secure Brandt's services for the next three years. The 26-year-old has been one of the team's standout performers this term, racking up nine goals and five assists in all competitions and winning the Bundesliga Player of the Month award in January and February of this year.

"Julian has undergone another enormous development in the last year," Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl enthused on the club's website. "He's significantly more focused in his play off the ball, regularly sets up goals and shines himself as a goalscorer.

"His awareness of dangerous situations on the pitch, combined with his technical capabilities and his creativity, make him a valuable part of our squad. Accordingly, he plays a very important role in our plans, and we're happy that he has made the decision to continue shaping Borussia Dortmund's sporting future as a leading player."

The precocious Brandt joined Dortmund from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2019, having already made over 200 senior appearances for Die Werkself at the age of just 23. He has since played over 160 games for Dortmund, and while it took him a few seasons to emerge as a nailed-on starter for BVB, he has been one of the first names on Edin Terzic's teamsheet in 2022/23.

"Jule has developed massively this season," the Dortmund coach declared after the 2-0 win at Werder Bremen in mid-February, echoing Kehl's praise of recent days. "He's one of our most consistent players. He's completely fit, he's always one of our strongest runners, and he's extremely important on the ball."

Brandt, who was born in Bremen and used to attend Werder games as a boy, notched Dortmund's second goal that afternoon, during a run of four consecutive games in which he found the back of the net. He is BVB's top scorer in the Bundesliga this term with eight goals.

Watch: All of Brandt's Bundesliga goals and assists this season!

"Even after four years, I still have a lot of fun every single day being part of this team, being on the pitch with these lads and playing football for this highly emotional club with its extraordinary fans," Brandt explained. "I'm looking forward to the coming years in Black and Yellow and I'm sure we'll have the opportunity to celebrate something big together."

Brandt lifted the DFB Cup with Dortmund in 2020/21, but the club have made no secret of their determination to finally end Bayern's stranglehold on the Meisterschale and land a first Bundesliga title since 2011/12. The Bavarian juggernauts boast a two-point advantage at the top after their recent Klassiker win, but Brandt says BVB will fight until the bitter end.

"We still have a title to chase this season, it's down to us to stay in the race until the end. I hope we realise that every game from now on is a final. That means a lot of work and concentration, but I have faith in us as a team."