Dortmund struggle to sell high-earning Julian Brandt, Marcel Sabitzer

Brandt earns 8 million euros per year, while Sabitzer takes home 7 million - a financial burden the club is keen to ease as it reshapes its squad.

Both players underperformed last season in relation to their salaries and have since slipped down the midfield pecking order, now behind Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, and recent arrival Pascal Gross.

Despite being high-profile names, their diminished role and costly contracts have limited the interest from potential buyers.

Brandt, whose contract runs until 2026, and Sabitzer, tied down until 2027, are not expected to be offered extensions, with Dortmund planning for the future without them.

Their high wages, however, remain a stumbling block for clubs hesitant to match Dortmund’s valuation or the players' salary expectations.

The Bundesliga side, who only narrowly clinched the final Champions League qualification spot last season, are aiming to freshen up their squad and boost financial flexibility. Part of their rebuild includes the search for a replacement for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, indicating a wider reshuffle beyond midfield.

In addition to Brandt and Sabitzer, Dortmund are also open to selling Salih Ozcan and Giovanni Reyna in the current window, as they look to streamline their squad and reinvest in areas needing reinforcement.