BVB triggers Joey Veerman release clause as Sabitzer’s future stalls

At the Borussia Dortmund training ground, officials unveiled the activation of the Ausstiegsklausel for Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman, while fans wondered: Geht Marcel Sabitzer? The German club confirmed the move on 18 August 2026, signalling a major reshuffle of its midfield roster.

Veerman's contract details

Veerman, 27, signed a deal that runs until 30 June 2031. The release clause that Dortmund triggered is reported to be €22 million, while his market value is listed at €25 million. Sport director Lars Ricken said, “We have a focus of our transfer activities this summer deliberately on the central midfield, because we have let Pascal Groß and Salih Özcan leave since the start of the year.”

Experience and quotes

The midfielder arrives with 206 Eredivisie appearances for PSV Eindhoven, contributing 31 goals and 67 assists in 198 games. He helped Eindhoven win three league titles and two cups, and earned 16 caps for the Netherlands, his last appearance coming in the Euro 2024 semi‑final against England (1‑2). Sport director Ole Book added, “Joey is a really great footballer with a lot of creativity, technique and overview. He has shown at PSV and for the Dutch national team that he can consistently perform at top level.” Veerman himself said, “Borussia Dortmund is a great club in Europe and I am proud to be part of it. I am very excited and want to celebrate successes together with BVB.”

Sabitzer's uncertain future

Marcel Sabitzer, 32, is entering the final year of his contract, which expires at the end of the season. Reports suggest his salary is €8 million, a figure that could complicate a departure. The Austrian’s future is described as “more open than ever,” with speculation that a move to Serie A side FC Bologna, a Champions‑League club, or a Saudi Arabian team could materialise.

During pre‑season, coach Niko Kovač preferred the duo Felix Nmecha (25) and Jobe Bellingham (20) over Sabitzer. Sabitzer himself sparked rumours after leaving a Dortmund team dinner shortly after arriving, and his teammate Carney Chukwuemeka (22) remains available in midfield alongside the promising talents Mussa Kaba (17) and Enzo dos Santos (17).

Other transfer targets

Borussia Dortmund is also scouting a right‑back, with Hector Fort (20) reportedly leaving FC Barcelona, and early talks said to have taken place. Additional options mentioned include Chelsea prospect Josh Acheampong (20) and Norway international Marcus Pedersen (26) from Torino. After the failed pursuit of Said El Mala (19), the club plans to spread the planned release money across several signings.