Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho has described football as his "first love" and said he'd play every day until he's "100 years old" if his body permitted it. 

The 19-year-old has taken the Bundesliga by storm since arriving last season, and he has recorded 27 direct goal involvements (13 goals and 14 assists) in 21 top-flight appearances this campaign.

He told the official Bundesliga website (h/t Goal): "I just love football. You can't really take that out of me—I just love the game, and love the sport. So yeah, if I had a choice I'd play every day until I'm 100 years old. But unfortunately, some time I'll have to step down from football when my body gets old! Of course, football will be my first love forever."

Sancho's fast feet and technical ability have earned attention from some of the elite in European football, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea each said to be among his admirers, per TalkSport.

The teenager became the youngest player in history to score 24 Bundesliga goals earlier this season:

BBC 5 Live Sport's The Squad discussed a potential Premier League return in February and agreed the player would be worth a £100 million investment if that's the price Dortmund demanded:

🇬🇧7⃣ Best
🇫🇷7⃣ Cantona
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿7⃣ Beckham
🇵🇹7⃣ Ronaldo
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿7⃣ Sancho?

🤔 Will @Sanchooo10 be #MUFC's new number 7⃣?

✍️ Where do you think he should go next?

🆕 #TheSquad 👇
⚽️: https://t.co/NUyuPP9O0Q@NickBrightDJ | @rosiekmita | @CPHamill | @FlexUTD pic.twitter.com/YK6FnUAyGB

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) February 17, 2020

The former Watford and Manchester City academy player was asked about those price-tag rumours when he was first called up to the senior England squad in October 2018, via Hayters TV:

Jadon Sancho is a player in high demand 💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/y7eUVIqkhd

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) February 15, 2020

Sancho—who has scored twice in 11 senior outings for the Three Lions—illustrated what motivates him on the field, adding a desire to entertain rests at his core:

"Before a game, probably listen to my music, and because I know everyone's watching, especially for the fans, especially if it's cold, I don't want them to just come and support us. 

"I want them to go home smiling and be happy that they came out to the end and watched us win. I'm just trying to be a winner and have that winning mentality every game I go into."

Chelsea have been strongly linked with Sancho in recent months, but a move to Stamford Bridge looks less likely after the Blues announced terms have been agreed to sign Hakim Ziyech from Ajax this summer. 

Sancho was the first player across Europe's top five leagues this season to record double-digit goals and assists. Statman Dave highlighted in early February he's since been joined by another special talent:

Across Europe’s top five leagues, only two players have registered 10+ goals and 10+ assists:

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jadon Sancho

Two assists in the first half for Messi. 🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/IYE54vw5A4

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 9, 2020

Dortmund are third in the Bundesliga and four points below leaders Bayern Munich with 11 games to go, one of several teams in contention following a highly competitive campaign so far.

Sancho will have at least a decade at the top of the sport if the beginning of his professional career is anything to go by, with the Black and Yellows hoping he stays at the Westfalenstadion for as much of it as possible. 

Achraf Hakimi has hinted he would be open to staying at Borussia Dortmund rather than return to Real Madrid when his loan spell comes to an end this summer. 

Hakimi is on a two-year loan with BVB from Los Blancos.

Per ESPN FC's Alex Kirkland, when asked about returning to Real, he said:

"Well, that's what the contract I have here says, that it ends in June, but anything can happen. Let's see what the summer brings.

"I want to play, I want to keep growing as I have been, where they give me the opportunity, as they are doing here in Germany. They're giving me a chance, and I'm showing the player I am and I'm enjoying myself."

Hakimi came through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he has been a player since 2006.

The Morocco international broke into the first team during the 2017-18 season, during which he made 17 appearances.

He appeared 28 times last season during his first campaign at Dortmund, and he has already surpassed that figure this term.

Hakimi made his 33rd appearance of the campaign as Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

The 21-year-old put in an impressive performance:

Achraf Hakimi’s game by numbers vs. PSG:

88% pass accuracy
4/4 tackles won
4 ball recoveries
3 interceptions
2 chances created

A joy to watch on the right flank. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kbYnztPZwy

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 18, 2020

It's clear the youngster has an abundance of potential. In January, he was rewarded for an excellent calendar year of 2019:

Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2019 African Youth Player of the Year! 🇲🇦#CAFAwards2019 pic.twitter.com/jUWZ4cfaWJ

— GOAL (@goal) January 7, 2020

It is the second year running he has picked up that award, having also won it for 2018.

He's an exceptional athlete blessed with searing pace, and he's a versatile operator, too. Hakimi is capable of playing on both flanks, at full-back or further forward.

Hakimi makes incisive attacking contributions when he does venture up field, having scored six times and assisted nine goals this season.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes his return will put Madrid in an excellent position:

Jotting down some clubs' weak points ahead of the summer window (yep, we're already there), and I've come to Real Madrid...they are STACKED.

Hakimi back, I'd give Jovic another year, so...*scrapes bottom of barrel*...a CM? They're in such a healthy position.

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) February 2, 2020

He's developed into a superb player during his time at Dortmund, so he'd enhance their strength in depth considerably.

His versatility would also increase his chances of getting on the pitch, but it's unlikely he'd get as much game time in the Spanish capital as he does with the Bundesliga side.

What's more, 34-year-old Lukasz Piszczek is out of contract at Dortmund in the summer. If the Pole moves on, Hakimi has even greater scope to secure his place in the team should he make his stay in Germany permanent.

Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland spoke to reporters after scoring a brace in the 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain, saying he still has much to improve on and that the tie is far from over. 

The 19-year-old is not about to let the success go to his head, per Goal: "I am glad about the man of the match award but feel like I still can do a lot better. I have to play better at this level, have to work hard to improve. The result is quite a dangerous one, as PSG has a very strong team and can still go through in the return leg."

The Norwegian bagged two second-half goals, sandwiched around Neymar's equaliser. The second goal was particularly good (U.S./UK viewers only):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1229903419625787392

This angle of the Erling Braut Håland's goal is AMAZING!

The sound when the ball hits the back of the net is so, so satisfying 👌

Watch 360° highlights and instant replays of EVERY goal on the BT Sport app 📲 pic.twitter.com/sA3Gcvibow

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2020

By netting twice, the former Red Bull Salzburg striker took his tally in the competition to 10 goals. He has outscored two of Spain's biggest clubs on his own:

Champions League goals this season:

Erling Haaland - 10
Atletico Madrid - 9
Barcelona - 9 pic.twitter.com/sx9anlKSbk

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 18, 2020

Haaland's overall numbers are incredible:

▪️ 39 goals in 28 games this season
▪️ 11 goals in 7 games since joining Dortmund
▪️ Joint top scorer in the Champions League
▪️ Fastest player ever to reach 10 Champions League goals@ErlingHaaland is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/CmhmpfEjIr

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 18, 2020

Because UEFA did away with the cup-tied regulations in 2018, he was able to become the first player to score for two clubs in a single Champions League campaign.

He jointly leads this year's Champions League scoring charts, tied with Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.

Haaland hasn't skipped a beat since moving from Austria to Germany in January, with an incredible eight Bundesliga goals in just five total appearances. Only Bayer Leverkusen have been able to shut him out since the transfer to BVB.

He stood out for more than just his goals on Tuesday, however. Haaland showed off strong technical ability and a good defensive work ethic, to go with world-class athleticism:

Erling Haaland clocked a time of 6.64 seconds for a 60 metre sprint during a first half counter attack tonight. The 60m world record (by US sprinter Christian Coleman) is 6.34 seconds! #BVBPSG

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) February 18, 2020

The 2-1 win puts Dortmund in a great position to add to PSG's Champions League misery. Les Parisiens have been knocked out of the competition in the round of 16 in three straight seasons, and they once again fell short of expectations on Tuesday.

Neymar scored but also showed signs of rust after not appearing in a match since the 5-0 win over Montpellier on February 1. Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria were mostly kept quiet.

PSG have a 10-point lead in the Ligue 1 title race and can start their preparations for the return leg on March 11 early. Dortmund have no such luxury, sitting four points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern.

BVB's next three outings will be against Werder Bremen, Freiburg and Borussia Monchengladbach before the return leg in Paris.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said showing a video of BVB's "yellow wall" of supporters to Erling Haaland helped the Norway forward in his decision to join the Bundesliga giants.

Zorc told Sport Bild (h/t the Mirror's Rich Jones) the striker was impressed by the video before penning a deal to move to the Signal Iduna Park:

"He seemed to like it! We had to reach high to sign Erling and it's no secret that other well-known clubs were working hard to get him.

"I was like a little boy (when he spoke with Haaland's agent Mino Raiola on Christmas Eve to confirm the deal).

"This combination of robustness, quality of finishing, good technique and his speed makes Erling special. In our first conversations there was already a positive atmosphere and we both felt good. Erling and BVB - it fits 100 per cent.

"[He also has a] tremendous personality and that suits Borussia Dortmund, our stadium and our fans. That is what defines our club and is exactly what Erling was looking for. Such an atmosphere inspires him – he explodes on the pitch."

Haaland had been reportedly linked with a chance to join his former Molde coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, at Manchester United, per Jones, but the Leeds-born player opted to depart Red Bull Salzburg for Germany.

United continued to shop for a striker until the final day of the January transfer window. The Red Devils eventually completed the six-month loan capture of Odion Ighalo from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua.

Haaland has made an explosive start at BVB, scoring seven goals in his first three Bundesliga appearances. His first two games were from the substitute's bench, and the 6'4" striker showed he doesn't need many minutes to consistently find the back of the net.

The 19-year-old could quickly develop into one of the world's top finishers, and Dortmund might have made one of the greatest transfer decisions in recent times by triggering the player's buyout. According to BBC Sport, BVB paid only €20 million (£17.1 million) for Haaland's services.

 

Haaland would have been perfect for United's need for No. 9, but German football will provide the perfect developmental environment for the teenager.

BVB are known for allowing youth to flourish, and it will be no surprise to see the Norwegian as a prominent starter before the end of the season arrives.

Borussia Dortmund have said forward Marco Reus suffered a muscular injury during Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at Werder Bremen that could keep him sidelined for up to one month. 

The club's official Twitter account confirmed news of the problem accrued by the Germany international during their DFB Cup round-of-16 loss:

During yesterday’s match, Marco Reus sustained a muscle injury that looks to keep him sidelined for up to four weeks.

Get well soon, Captain 🙏 pic.twitter.com/3TyZ4qgpkZ

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) February 5, 2020

The problem is the latest in a long line of injury issues for Reus, with the forward having missed a succession of key games for the Westfalenstadion club, as well as the last two major international tournaments with Germany.

Reus was enjoying an impressive run of fitness this season, scoring 11 goals and recording six assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances. Dortmund sit third in the Bundesliga and two points behind leaders Bayern Munich at the time of his injury.

The blow means he now looks set to miss Dortmund's UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first leg at home to Paris Saint-Germain on February 18. The Black and Yellows will travel to the Parc des Princes for the return leg on March 11.

Not having the 30-year-old on the field means Dortmund are weaker, as Reus has consistently proved himself as one of European football's most dangerous operators. He's enjoyed a new lease of life under Lucien Favre, too.

Reus has a rare blend of pace, excellent technique and a sharp football brain. Whether operating from the left flank or as a split striker, he is a threat who is able to create space and chances for his team-mates and score goals himself.

The worry for Reus is that other attacking stars will overtake him in the pecking order at Dortmund while he sits on the sidelines. Jadon Sancho, Mario Gotze, Julian Brandt, Thorgan Hazard and new arrival Erling Haaland are all talented operators who thrive in a similar area to the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach star.

Favre will shuffle his plans ahead of Saturday's trip to Bayer Leverkusen, who sit fifth in the Bundesliga and five points below Dortmund. 

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has said the club have received no approaches for "phenomenon" Jadon Sancho, but he can't guarantee the winger will be at the Westfalenstadion next season. 

Sancho, 19, left Manchester City to join the Black and Yellows in 2017, swiftly settling in as senior star at Dortmund and attracting interest from a host of European football's major powers.

Zorc paid his player high praise in an interview with Sport Bild (h/t Goal's Stephen Darwin) but was honest in regards to whether he felt Sancho will remain in Dortmund beyond this campaign: 

"The fact is no other club has contacted us so far about Jadon.

"[I can't] reliably answer today [if Sancho will stay at Dortmund beyond the summer]. What I can say for sure is that he feels very comfortable with us. Otherwise he could not produce such [high-level] performances week after week.

"He is a phenomenon and is now producing top performances. And he rarely takes a break on the pitch, helping the team with their defensive work. He is hard-working and gets the greatest of respect from me."

Sancho scored the opener in Saturday's 5-0 rout of Union Berlin to become the youngest player to reach 25 goals in the Bundesliga, via BT Sport (UK viewers only):

Jadon Sancho in the Bundesliga this season:

• 18 games
• 12 goals
• 12 assists

He's 19 years old. He's English. 🙌🦁

On Saturday, he became the first Bundesliga player to score 2️⃣5️⃣ goals before turning 20... pic.twitter.com/dbIuBvZvJj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 3, 2020

The England international was understandably delighted with his landmark strike, helping the Black and Yellows climb to third after RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach each drew in Week 20:

What a performance from the team 🔥.
Happy to make history by being the youngest ever player to score 25 goals in the Bundesliga 🙌🏼. #MambaMentailty 🙏🏼 #24 pic.twitter.com/4Zj3LqVTSh

— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) February 1, 2020

Darwin cited existing interest in the player from Manchester United and Chelsea, each of which appear eager to offer the London native a route back to the Premier League.

Sancho joined the Black and Yellows for a reported fee of £8 million, per the Guardian's Ed Aarons, but it's possible he could fetch 10 times that figure or more when he departs Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund often prove themselves shrewd negotiators in the transfer market, having recently signed Erling Haaland from Red Bull Salzburg for €22.5 million (£19 million), per the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano. The Norwegian wonderkid, also 19, has eight goals in his first four appearances for the German giants.

Sam Dean of the Telegraph testified to Sancho's staggering consistency in attack, contributing at least one direct goal contribution in all but two of his last 13 appearances for club and country:

Jadon Sancho’s productivity since mid-November has been ridiculous. Screenshot from @WhoScored pic.twitter.com/fDBhzm7CgD

— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) February 3, 2020

Despite his age, the former Watford academy starlet—who is contracted at Dortmund until 2022—has stormed to elite levels early on in his senior career, per Statman Dave:

Jadon Sancho is the only player across Europe's top five leagues to have registered double figures in both goals and assists this season:

• 18 appearances
• 12 assists
• 12 goals

Tearing it up. ⚽ 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/YCgbPkOwfR

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 4, 2020

United and Chelsea have been the two teams most strongly linked with Sancho, though the Independent's Melissa Reddy wrote runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool also have an interest.

Dortmund have proved capable recruiters when it comes to replacing such high-value assets in the past, and Zorc's comments suggest the club won't block Sancho's departure provided their needs are met.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed former club Borussia Dortmund for their activity in the January transfer window, believing Emre Can and Erling Haaland can help the side achieve great things.

Klopp spoke to Bild (h/t Goal's James Westwood) about Can's return to Germany and said the former Liverpool midfielder is a perfect fit:

"I am happy for BVB and Emre Can. It's a win-win situation. Emre is just a perfect match for this club.

"BVB got a top lad, a wonderful, versatile footballer with an outstanding attitude.

"I trust them to achieve a lot in the Ruckrunde [second half of the season] with Can and Haaland."

Can joined Dortmund from Juventus on a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.

The Germany international moved to Turin as a free agent ahead of the 2018-19 campaign and had a solid first season under manager Massimiliano Allegri. His playing time decreased under Maurizio Sarri, however, leading to a split in January.

Per StatsBomb, the 26-year-old did what was asked of him whenever he played:

Emre Can, Juventus 2018-19.

This is strong output from a DM, and he's been even better under Sarri (though small sample, so not featured).

James and Ted mentioned him as a good signing on the podcast this week. BVB fans should be pretty happy. pic.twitter.com/dR0zvUpjlM

— Hudl Statsbomb (@Statsbomb) January 31, 2020

Sarri preferred the trio of Miralem Pjanic, Adrien Rabiot and Rodrigo Bentancur, however, while Blaise Matuidi also sat ahead of Can in the pecking order.

He now has the chance to rebuild his reputation at Dortmund, where he should receive plenty of playing time. He showed his ability to play as a defender in Turin and is expected to slide straight into the starting XI in the 3-4-3 formation Dortmund have used with great success of late.

Haaland has been a smash hit in that system:

The 19-year-old has set the Bundesliga on fire since joining from Red Bull Salzburg, scoring an incredible seven goals in just three appearances, with two coming off the bench.

Haaland has needed almost no time to adapt to his new surroundings, and he believes he's not playing at his best:

Erling Haaland:
Games 3️⃣
Goals 7️⃣

"I still have to get fitter, I need more games. I am not at 100 per cent yet."

He can get BETTER?! 😨 pic.twitter.com/aF11psJ1KT

— GOAL (@goal) February 1, 2020

The 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign has been one of the tightest in ages with just three points separating first-placed Bayern Munich from fourth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach. Dortmund are third, tied on points with Monchengladbach, and have won three consecutive matches.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has heaped praise on team-mate Erling Haaland but said he's got some way to go before he's at the same level as former BVB striker Robert Lewandowski.

Haaland moved to Dortmund in the January transfer window from Red Bull Salzburg and has enjoyed a remarkable start to his career at the Westfalenstadion, with seven goals from one start and two substitute appearances for his new club.

Speaking about the teenager, Hummels joked that he's been helping him with his goalscoring touch in the early weeks at Dortmund, per WELT (h/t Goal).

"Haaland is doing well," the defender said. "Of course I give him some tips how this works. He has more goals in 57 minutes than I will score in the whole season. ... [I hope Haaland stays] as long as I am here. At least I wish so."

The Norway international made his first start for the club on Saturday in a 5-0 win over Union Berlin, helping Dortmund stay remain three points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich:

Another day, another brace.

Erling Braut Haaland is going to take some stopping 🔥 pic.twitter.com/P1BlhAot4f

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 1, 2020

Every game Haaland has been involved in since he arrived at Dortmund has seen the team net five times, with Lucien Favre's side rediscovering their attacking swagger since the arrival of the 19-year-old.

Squawka Football provided the figures behind the striker's rapid start in Germany:

Erling Haaland's Bundesliga career for Borussia Dortmund so far:

🔘 77 minutes played
🔘 7 shots
🔘 6 goals

Super-human. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/j8eS73Slmz

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 1, 2020

Ronan Murphy of Goal put his goalscoring into context, with Haaland chopping down the gap to some of the division's top goalscorers:

UPDATE: Erling Haaland is now 15 goals behind Robert Lewandowski and 13 goals behind Timo Werner in the top scorer race. He's just been taken off though. That's it for today. #BVB

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) February 1, 2020

Although Haaland is making a name for himself, Lewandowski—who played with Dortmund from 2010-14 and then later with Bayern—remains the standout forward in the division in the eyes of Hummels.

"I played together with Lewandowski for many years, so I know a good striker when I see one," the defender said. "[Haaland] is not at the same level yet, though."

Haaland could do worse than model his game on Lewandowski. Like the Bayern star, Haaland is physically imposing and quick for someone with a burly physique; Lewandowski comes alive in the penalty area, able to finish with both feet and his head, but his link play is silky and effective too.

Per former Norway international Jan Aage Fjortoft, Union defender and former Dortmund man Neven Subotic compared Haaland and Lewandowski after Saturday's game:

.@NSubotic4 the Union Berlin - player who played in Dortmund with great strikers, told me in an interview after the game:

- Haaland is a mixture between Aubameyang and Lewandowski@BVB @lewy_official
@Aubameyang7
@ViasportFotball

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) February 1, 2020

It's still early days in Haaland's Dortmund career, and his goalscoring will likely slow down at some point. However, it appears the striker will be one of the most prolific players on the continent for a long time yet.

This season, the form of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner appears to have pushed Lewandowski to even higher levels, with the pair on 20 and 22 goals respectively. With an absorbing title race shaping up, it'll be fascinating to see which of the three forwards mentioned can fire their team to glory.

Erling Haaland continued his remarkable start to life at Borussia Dortmund on Friday, scoring two goals as a substitute in his team's 5-1 win over Cologne in the Bundesliga. 

The striker, who signed for BVB from Red Bull Salzburg this month, netted a hat-trick when he came off the bench against Augsburg on his competitive debut last weekend. 

It wasn't enough to earn him a spot in the starting XI for Friday's match, although the forward was able to make the most of the time he had on the field, converting twice to help add some gloss to a dominant display from Dortmund:

This is getting ridiculous! 😂

Hat-trick on debut ✅
Goal in front of the yellow wall 🙌
Four goals in his first week 🤩

Erling 🔥 Braut 🔥 Håland pic.twitter.com/F3fJuB3SYh

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 24, 2020

He's done it AGAIN! 🤯

Håland makes that look easy. It's not.

5️⃣ goals for Dortmund and he hasn't even played 90 minutes of football for them yet! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/qxe7r9tUvF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 24, 2020

Per Robin Bairner of Goal, the brace for Haaland sees the striker break a Bundesliga record, with no player previously scoring five goals in their first two appearances in the German top flight.

As BR Football relayed, the 19-year-old's incredible haul is made all the more remarkable by his minimal time on the field:

Erling Haaland has now scored 5 goals in 57 Bundesliga minutes. Unreal. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Qi6RICaEnc

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 24, 2020

Football journalist Richard Jolly added further context to Haaland's goalscoring, comparing his finishing to that of Manchester United's, who were strongly linked with a move for the Norway international:

https://twitter.com/RichJolly/status/1220818757783904256

After leaving Salzburg to join a more challenging division like the Bundesliga, Haaland would have been forgiven for undergoing a transition period in his young career. However, the teenager has hit the ground running for his new side.

Already, he has showcased a razor-sharp killer instinct in front of goal, smart movement and the strength needed to cut it in one of European football's most physical leagues.

Per EiF, whatever competition Haaland has played in this season, he's found it easy to hit the back of the net:

Erling Haaland this season:

- 33 goals
- 7 assists
- 8 Champions League Group Stage goals
- 5 goals off the bench in under 60 minutes for Dortmund

Quite simply a machine. pic.twitter.com/vIDfzuMPfD

— EiF (@EiFSoccer) January 24, 2020

Following the game, some of the striker's team-mates commented on a stunning beginning to his time at Dortmund:

Roman Bürki on Erling Haaland only scoring twice tonight after getting a hat-trick last weekend, to DAZN: "It's a shame that he's already slowing down." 😂 #BVB #BVBKOE

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) January 24, 2020

Also on the scoresheet on the night were Raphael Guerreiro, Marco Reus and Jadon Sancho, as BVB scored five goals for the second consecutive week in the Bundesliga. The win moves them provisionally up to third place ahead of the weekend's games, four points behind leaders RB Leipzig, who have a game in hand.

Although Dortmund still have a lot of work to do if they are to challenge for the title this season, they are one of the most effective attacking teams in European football and in Haaland, have one of the best goalscorers in the game on their books.

With a two-legged UEFA Champions League clash to come with Paris Saint-Germain next month too, those who frequent the Westfalenstadion have plenty to be excited about.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has said the club are yet to decide Mario Gotze's future.

The playmaker's contract expires in the summer, at which point he'll be a free agent. 

However, Zorc told Ruhr Nachrichten (h/t Goal's Dejan Kalinic):

"That has not yet been decided.

"It is of course also the case with him that he would like to have more minutes. We are talking to Mario.

"I spoke to his father before Christmas. I spoke to him again in Marbella. We will surely get together in the spring and then make a final decision."

BVB spent time in Marbella at a training camp earlier in January:

We arrived at our training camp in Marbella and started with a training session right away pic.twitter.com/MUw210Sm1w

— mariogotze.eth (@MarioGoetze) January 5, 2020

Around that time, reports surfaced that Gotze would be leaving at the end of the season without penning a new deal:

Mario Götze will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer on a free transfer as the club and player could not agree a contract, according to Bild. #BVB

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) January 6, 2020

However, Zorc told ARD (h/t Goal's Ronan Murphy) such talk "surprised" him because those decisions are yet to be made by either party, which he reiterated to Ruhr Nachrichten.

Gotze rose through the ranks at Dortmund as a youngster. He showed incredible potential and contributed 31 goals and 44 assists in 116 appearances in his first spell at the club.

He was snapped up by Bayern Munich in 2013 at the age of just 21. Gotze returned 36 goals and 24 assists in 114 matches, but he struggled to kick on under Pep Guardiola and rejoined BVB in 2016.

The Germany international hasn't been able to recapture the form of his first spell since his return, though.

Injuries have been a recurring problem throughout his career, and he has missed 46 games though various issues since he moved back to Dortmund, including 18 games out with a metabolic illness.

In the 98 appearances he has made, he has produced 14 goals and 17 assists.

He has one assist to his name in this campaign and three goals, the most recent of which came in Dortmund's final Bundesliga game of 2019 against Hoffenheim (U.S. only):

Dortmund strike first! Mario Gotze finishes off a fine move to open the scoring at Hoffenheim. pic.twitter.com/deCZwgTPDB

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 20, 2019

Gotze will turn 28 in June, so if he does leave this summer his next club will be signing a free agent who likely still has plenty of time left in him at the top level.

They'll be able to offer him a more significant role than he's currently playing at Dortmund, too.

He has started just six of his 16 appearances in all competitions this season, spending 579 minutes on the pitch. If he's to ever get back to the level he once operated at he needs to be playing more regularly, but in the immediate future at least, it does not seem he'll get to do so at Dortmund.