Kovač prickly over Dortmund’s transfer woes: “We need a large, high-quality squad”

All things considered, fans of Die Schwarzgelben have been left disgruntled by their lack of activity in the transfer market.

Just days out from their DfB-Pokal opener against Rot-Weiss Essen, Niko Kovač alluded to the importance of a squad with quality and quantity in an interview with BILD.

The Borussia Dortmund head coach clearly took aim at the club’s hierarchy after what has been a quiet transfer window with only one notable signing in Jobe Bellingham. 

“We need a large, high-quality squad. When you’re playing at three different levels – not counting international matches – you need that. We have a lot of catching up to do.

“We barely managed to slip into the Champions League in fourth place [last season],” highlighted the 53-year-old, who doesn’t want to face the same levels of drama in 2025/26. 

However, Kovac described the current transfer backlog at BVB in his own words, and clearly understands the difficulties faced by sporting director Sebastian Kehl. 

“The market isn’t easy at the moment, especially with the financially strong Premier League clubs. That’s why we have to act very wisely to make the right decisions.

“And that will take some time, if necessary. Because we have to make rational decisions – not emotional ones,” he explained. 

BVB will likely see some activity before the end of the transfer window on September 1st, with the tabloid suggesting a possible “summer sale” for English clubs looking to sell assets.