BVB’s Kovac extension hinges on Ricken’s contract decision
At Borussia Dortmund, the decision (Entscheidung) to Verlängert Niko Kovac’s contract is on hold, because the start of Gespräche about a Vertragsverlängerung depends on another Personalie – the renewal of sporting director Lars Ricken’s own deal. The club’s future plans hinge on this timing, leaving the future of the 54‑year‑old head coach uncertain.
Contract timeline linked to Ricken
Bei Borussia Dortmund there is apparently Klarheit about when the Gespräche concerning Niko Kovac’s Zukunft will commence. Kovac, the 54‑year‑old Cheftrainer, has a current Vertrag that runs until Sommer 2027. A possible Verlängerung will only be tackled after the pending Personalfrage regarding Ricken is resolved, so the debate at BVB focuses less on the Ob and more on the Dauer of a new Kovac contract.
According to Sport , Ricken’s own work paper also ends in 2027, but his continued presence is treated as a Formsache. Both parties have agreed to wait for Ricken’s Verlängerung before opening Kovac’s Vertragsverlängerung discussions.
Ricken, 50, told the Ruhr Nachrichten that “Zwischen Niko und mir hat das von Anfang an gepasst, und dieses Vertrauen ist im Laufe der Zeit weiter gewachsen”. He did not provide a concrete Zeitplan for the negotiations.
Kovac took over the BVB in February 2025 and quickly guided the side back into the Champions League. Since then Dortmund has re‑established itself as the primary Bayern challenger and now seeks the next development step.
Sporting vision and next steps
Sport director Ole Book said, “Der neue Weg wird sicherlich von einer gewissen Attraktivität und Offensivstil geprägt sein”. The plan emphasizes more dominance and creativity with the ball while keeping the stabile Defensive as the foundation. A youthful squad has been tailored to Kovac’s 3‑4‑2‑1 system, aiming to develop young players and keep Dortmund competitive at Champions‑League level. Kovac, as the head Trainer, is expected to drive this evolution.
Managing director Carsten Cramer added that after the preparation phase, BVB will, Nach dem Vorbereitungszeitraum, “genau wie im letzten Jahr rechtzeitig die Gespräche aufnehmen”. He indicated that the club already has the notwendigen Informationen to proceed once Ricken’s situation is settled.
Bei Borussia Dortmund the timing of these decisions will shape the club’s strategic direction for the coming Jahre. Der outcome will determine whether the current project under Kovac can continue to challenge for Champions‑League spots. The sport’s stakeholders are watching closely.