Paris Brunner, the 18-year-old German forward, has been making waves with his performances in Borussia Dortmund’s games during their Asian tour. Displaying notable dedication and effort on the pitch, Brunner has caught the eye of head coach Nuri Sahin. While Sahin acknowledges Brunner’s hard work, he stresses the need for improved decision-making. “We need to develop his decision-making skills,” Sahin said. “I told the boys very clearly: ‘the door is open for everyone,’ but I can’t push them through. They have to go through it themselves.”
Contract Negotiations and Future Prospects
Brunner, who has shown commitment during matches but appears less engaged off the field, is currently contracted with Borussia Dortmund until 2025. The club is eager to extend his contract, but according to Ruhr Nachrichten, intensive negotiations have yet to yield a breakthrough. Brunner’s entourage is pushing for him to be included in the first team on a permanent basis, a commitment that Borussia Dortmund is reluctant to make at this stage.
Pathway to Professional Debut
Despite not having played any professional minutes yet, Borussia Dortmund envisions a development path for Brunner through their U23 squad, which competes in the 3. Liga. This would provide him with the necessary experience and growth opportunities to transition to the first team. The club sees potential in Brunner but believes he needs to show more engagement off the pitch and improve his decision-making to secure a spot in the senior squad. The negotiations and Brunner’s development will be closely watched as Borussia Dortmund aims to nurture his talent while ensuring he is ready for professional football.
Balancing Potential and Readiness
Borussia Dortmund’s cautious approach to integrating Brunner into the first team highlights a broader strategy of balancing potential with readiness. The club recognizes Brunner’s talent and the flashes of commitment he has shown on the field, but they are also aware of the challenges that come with transitioning young players to the senior level. By positioning him within the U23 squad, Dortmund aims to provide a structured pathway that allows Brunner to hone his skills, gain valuable match experience, and mature both on and off the pitch.