Borussia Dortmund’s Transfer Window in Focus: Six Possible January Deals

With the January transfer window set to open as soon as 2026 begins, Borussia Dortmund are expected to be active as they assess potential incomings and outgoings at Signal Iduna Park.

Three players who Borussia Dortmund could sign in January

Oscar Bobb

A potential loan move from Manchester City could be on the cards for Oscar Bobb until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old winger has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season, but faces fierce competition for minutes at the Etihad Stadium.

Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Savinho, Jérémy Doku and Bernardo Silva are all competing for attacking roles alongside Erling Haaland.

With Rodri, Nico González, Mateo Kovačić and Tijjani Reijnders also battling for midfield places, Silva in particular could be pushed further forward — further limiting Bobb’s opportunities.

That situation could open the door for Dortmund, with Niko Kovač’s side keen to strengthen in January as Bayern Munich sit nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

A temporary move could benefit both parties, helping Dortmund’s title push while allowing Bobb to continue his development after a lengthy injury lay-off between April 2024 and May.

However, Dortmund face competition, with several Premier League clubs also monitoring Bobb’s situation.

Gonzalo García

García caught the eye after finishing as joint top scorer at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid.

His four goals placed him alongside Ángel Di María, Serhou Guirassy and Marcos Leonardo.

A favourite of Xabi Alonso, García has featured in 13 of Real Madrid’s 18 La Liga matches this season, as well as three Champions League fixtures.

However, he has yet to score in either competition, and a move to Germany could offer a fresh platform — particularly with Guirassy viewed as a potential mentor.

If García can rediscover his summer form on a short-term deal at Signal Iduna Park, a first senior Spain call-up could yet follow.

Aleksandar Stanković

Dortmund could also look to bolster their midfield with a move for Aleksandar Stanković.

Currently contracted to Club Brugge, the 20-year-old may not yet be a household name, but his surname carries significant pedigree as the son of former Inter midfielder Dejan Stanković.

Brugge sit second in the Belgian Pro League, just one point behind Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and boast one of the league’s strongest defensive records.

Stanković has featured in all but one league match, as well as throughout Brugge’s Champions League campaign, where he was among their standout performers.

Reports suggest Inter Milan hold a buy-back clause of just over £20million, meaning Dortmund may have to explore a loan deal unless they are prepared to invest heavily.

Despite his age, Stanković’s defensive intelligence could prove key as Dortmund look to close the gap on Bayern.

Three players who could leave Borussia Dortmund in January

Niklas Süle

The potential loss of both Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle in January would represent a major blow to Dortmund’s ambitions.

Chasing a first Bundesliga title in over a decade — and a first Champions League crown since 1997 — would become significantly harder if their defensive core were dismantled.

Serie A appears a likely destination should Süle seek a new challenge, with AC Milan and Juventus reportedly interested.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Süle remains a dominant presence, but muscle and toe injuries have limited his appearances this season.

With his contract expiring in the summer, a January exit now appears more likely than that of Schlotterbeck.

Julian Brandt

Brandt has again been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Aston Villa emerging as a potential destination.

However, having featured in 17 of Dortmund’s 21 Bundesliga and Champions League matches, a January departure appears unlikely.

What could appeal to Villa is the fact Brandt has never played outside Germany, while his contract situation — expiring in the summer — may offer an opportunity.

Villa’s recent 4-1 defeat to Arsenal may yet prompt Unai Emery’s side to accelerate their transfer plans.

Nico Schlotterbeck

Dortmund supporters will not welcome reports linking their captain with some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Among the latest Bundesliga transfer rumours are suggestions that several heavyweights could look to strengthen defensively in January.

Only Bayern Munich have conceded fewer goals than Dortmund’s 12 this season, a record built on Schlotterbeck’s partnership with Süle and Waldemar Anton.

Losing Schlotterbeck would leave a significant void at Signal Iduna Park as Dortmund continue to compete on both domestic and European fronts.