Emre Can to Stay at Borussia Dortmund Until 2026: What It Means for the Club and the Player
Despite rumors and speculative headlines, it has been confirmed that Emre Can will not be departing Borussia Dortmund after the 2025 season. In fact, he is set to stay at the club until at least the summer of 2026. This clarity follows his two-year contract extension, which he signed in July 2023, securing his services for Dortmund until June 30, 2026. His ongoing role at the club, including retaining the captainโs armband, speaks volumes about his value to both the coaching staff and the locker room.
Emre Canโs journey with Borussia Dortmund has been a testament to his resilience and leadership. Since joining the club from Juventus in 2020โinitially on loan before making the move permanentโhe has evolved into a central figure in the teamโs midfield. Known for his versatility, Can has been deployed in several positions, including central midfield, defensive midfield, and even as a center-back when needed. His tactical intelligence, work rate, and aggressive style have made him a reliable asset.
In recent seasons, especially under the management of Edin Terziฤ and now Niko Kovaฤ, Can has assumed a greater leadership role. Named club captain in 2023, he has embraced the responsibility both on and off the pitch. His vocal presence, experience in big matches, and ability to rally the squad during tough moments have contributed significantly to the teamโs character.
Staying until 2026 gives Borussia Dortmund a measure of stability as they continue to balance youth development with competitive ambitions. Can serves as a bridge between the experienced players and the younger generation coming through the ranks. His guidance can be invaluable for rising talents who are stepping into the Bundesliga or the Champions League for the first time.
While some fans and pundits may question whether Can offers the creativity or technical finesse of more attacking midfielders, there is no denying his tactical discipline and commitment to the teamโs cause. His role often involves doing the dirty workโbreaking up play, shielding the defense, and setting the tempoโwhich allows others more freedom to express themselves further up the pitch.
As Dortmund looks ahead to the 2025โ26 season, Emre Canโs presence will likely be vital in helping integrate new signings and maintain the clubโs competitive edge. Whether or not he will extend his contract beyond 2026 remains to be seen. The player himself has stated that contract talks beyond that point are not urgent, suggesting he is focused on performing in the present and leading the team to success.
In summary, Emre Can is very much not departing in 2025. On the contrary, he remains at the heart of Dortmundโs plansโboth as a player and as a leader. His continued presence will be key to the clubโs ambitions in both domestic and European competitions over the next season.
