More BVB goalkeeping departures: Hitz and Drjlaca set for moves
The BVB goalkeeping carousel continues to churn with both back-up Marwin Hitz and Borussia Dortmund II starter Stefan Drljaca on the way out.
Unless Dortmund procure a clear back-up for Gregor Kobel, it might be the case that incoming youngster Marcel Lotka (Hertha BSC) will get a chance to compete for the #2 slot.
The ranks behind Dortmund #1 Gregor Kobel continue to empty out. It has already been confirmed that current third-stringer Roman Bürki is headed to MLS after the season. After starting in place of the injured Kobel during this weekend's Bayern fixture, Marwin Hitz let slip on his instagram account that the match would be his "last Klassiker".
Unless Dortmund procure a clear back-up for Gregor Kobel, it might be the case that incoming youngster Marcel Lotka (Hertha BSC) will get a chance to compete for the #2 slot.
Where precisely Hitz is headed remains unclear. German footballing magazine Kicker loosely links the 34-year-old with former club FC Augsburg, where Hitz started between 2013 and 2018. German broadcaster Sport1 also mentions that the Swiss international may be set for a return to his old stomping ground. A return to his native country is a possibility.
In any event, little is certain regarding Dortmund's back-up goalkeeping situation next season. The youngster currently tending the net for Hertha BSC (and doing a very impressive job at times one might add) is slated to arrive in North-Rhine Westphalia this summer. Originally envisaged as a pickup for BVB II, Marcel Lotka may get a chance to compete for the place directly behind Kobel.
The Dortmund U23s may nevertheless need Lotka as, according to Kicker, the starter of 13 games for BVB II this year, is off to Stuttgart. Stefan Drljaca's transfer to Swabia is expected to be confirmed soon.
Dortmund recently confirmed a new contract for 21-year-old Luca Unbehaun, who has started 23 games for the reserves this year. Plans to promote Unbeaun to the first team are almost certainly in place.
At present, that still leaves a senior team roster spot open for Lotka.