Julian Brandt delivered a heartfelt tribute to Emre Can during his final appearance for Borussia Dortmund, naming the midfielder in his personal dream team while reflecting on seven years at the German club. The 30-year-old winger, departing on a free transfer this summer, appeared visibly moved when discussing the Black and Yellows' captain during the club's podcast ahead of his last home match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
"Emre is my captain! Everything I've experienced here, he's experienced too. I have the utmost respect for him," Brandt said of the 32-year-old midfielder. "A top-class bloke and, for me, an incredible captain. Someone who takes responsibility, throws himself into it and makes sacrifices. He gets the appreciation he deserves from me." The tribute came as Can continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury sustained against Bayern Munich in late February, with Dortmund recently extending his contract through 2027.
Brandt's Dream XI and Pandemic Bond with Haaland
In constructing his all-time BVB XI, Brandt selected Gregor Kobel in goal and built a defensive line of Raphael Guerreiro, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Lukasz Piszczek. Alongside Can in midfield sat Marco Reus and Jude Bellingham, with the attacking trio rounded out by Jadon Sancho, Karim Adeyemi, and Erling Haaland. Brandt revealed a particularly close connection with the Norwegian striker developed during pandemic lockdowns. "I spent a lot of time with Erling during the pandemic, because we only had one-on-one training sessions back then. That's when you get to know someone in a completely different light," he explained.
The winger emphasised the camaraderie that defined his tenure in the Bundesliga. "I felt there was a healthy atmosphere, yet it was still competitive – and you could sense real unity. A squad that lived and trained for one another, that tried to help each other." Multiple European clubs, including Atlético Madrid, have reportedly expressed interest in signing Brandt as a free agent, though no formal destination has emerged.
Can's Recovery Timeline and Contract Extension
Can addressed his rehabilitation progress at the launch of Dortmund's new home kit, acknowledging the lengthy road ahead. "I'm already feeling better, but I'm not well yet. I can walk without crutches and put weight on my knee. Unfortunately, it's still a long road ahead," the midfielder stated. In recognition of his importance to the club and to secure continuity during his recovery, Dortmund extended Can's deal from its original 2026 expiration to 2027, underscoring his status as a cornerstone figure in the squad's midfield. With Brandt departing and Can sidelined, Dortmund faces midfield reshuffling as the Bundesliga title race intensifies into the new season.
