Borussia Dortmund is preparing to make critical decisions regarding several of its players whose contracts expire at the end of the season, as both CEO Lars Ricken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl face a crucial phase in determining who will stay and who will leave the team.

According to the German newspaper Bild, four prominent stars are at risk of leaving Dortmund next summer:

Emre Can, 31 years old and team captain, is suffering from a chronic adductor injury that has sidelined him for months. He is highly regarded by coach Niko Kovac and his teammates, and his contract may be extended for another year if he regains his fitness, but under lower financial conditions.

Niklas Süle, 30 years old, has returned from injury and is trying to prove himself again, but his high salary of 14 million euros per year poses an obstacle to his continuation. If his contract is renewed, it will be under performance-based conditions.

Pascal Groß, 34 years old, is nearing the end of his future with the team, as he is no longer a key player in Kovac's lineup. The player himself confirmed that he will not stay if he can no longer contribute.

Julian Brandt, 29 years old, has recently become a substitute but still performs well when he participates. The player wishes to stay and feels comfortable at the club, while the management is considering extending his contract based on his performance in the upcoming period.

On the other hand, the newspaper stated that Salih Özcan has been completely ruled out of the club's plans and may leave next January to reduce expenses, while goalkeeper Alexander Meyer may stay due to his value in the dressing room.