Borussia Dortmund News: Ole Book Praises Jobe Bellingham as Contract Talks Continue
Borussia Dortmund have plenty to consider as they navigate a demanding stretch of the season. Jobe Bellingham is earning praise for his progress, discussions are underway over the futures of Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy, and the club’s leadership is keeping its options open ahead of the next transfer window.
The latest BVB news follows a high-profile 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich, a result that offered encouragement to Dortmund supporters. Beyond the scoreline, the performance highlighted Bellingham’s growing influence and raised fresh questions about how the club can preserve its squad while continuing to develop players. For fans weighing up the next match prediction, Dortmund’s form, fitness and depth will all be important factors.
Ole Book impressed by Jobe Bellingham’s development
Jobe Bellingham delivered one of his strongest performances in a Borussia Dortmund shirt during Saturday’s clash with Bayern. The midfielder worked tirelessly across the pitch, helped Dortmund compete in the middle and showed that his contribution is not limited to defensive duties. He also found opportunities to support attacks as the game developed.
Sporting director Ole Book was particularly impressed by Bellingham’s physical readiness and ability to maintain his quality over the full match. “Physically, he is at the top level. He can fully keep up and work his way into games,” Book said. He added that Bellingham retains the energy to play with precision even when a match has been underway for some time.
That combination of stamina and technical control can be valuable in high-intensity football, especially against opponents who press aggressively. A midfielder who can cover ground without losing composure gives his team more options in both transition and possession. Book described Bellingham as someone suited to the big stage, a notable endorsement as the young player continues to establish himself at Dortmund.
Dortmund signed the Englishman from AFC Sunderland in the summer of 2025 for a reported €30.5 million. At 21, Bellingham has already made 62 competitive appearances for the club, recording one goal and eight assists. Those figures tell only part of the story: his work rate, willingness to compete and ability to adapt to demanding matches have also been central to his development.
Why his progress matters for Dortmund
Bellingham’s improvement gives Dortmund an additional option in a midfield that must balance energy, control and creativity. His performance against Bayern may strengthen the case for a larger role, although consistency across a full season will be the next test. The challenge for both player and club is to build on encouraging displays without placing unrealistic expectations on a developing talent.
Dortmund working on extensions for Anton and Guirassy
Managing director Carsten Cramer has confirmed that Borussia Dortmund want Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy to remain at the club beyond their current contracts. Speaking on Sport1’s Doppelpass, Cramer said discussions were taking place behind the scenes, with the club focused on reaching a positive outcome.
His comments suggest Dortmund are aiming to provide continuity in key areas of the squad. Anton offers experience and defensive reliability, while Guirassy brings a proven presence in attack. Retaining both could help the club avoid major rebuilding work and maintain a stronger foundation for its domestic and European campaigns.
Cramer also addressed questions about Felix Nmecha, whose contract was extended until 2030 in March. Reports have suggested that the midfielder may have an €80 million release clause, but Cramer did not confirm the figure. He said he would need to check whether a clause existed and stressed that Dortmund generally do not discuss private contract details publicly.
BVB open-minded about transfers but want to keep their squad
Dortmund’s strategy has long involved identifying and developing players, then facing interest from wealthier clubs when those players attract attention. Cramer acknowledged that player sales can be part of that model, while making clear that the club would prefer to keep its current group together as long as possible.
He said Dortmund did not want to let players leave and believed the squad could remain intact over the summer. At the same time, he recognised that the club cannot always prevent transfers if circumstances change. That balance is familiar for BVB: ambition requires a competitive team, but the club also has to plan realistically for the transfer market.
Asked about potential winter signings, Cramer pointed to sporting director Ole Book and managing director for sport Lars Ricken, saying they assess the market continually and are prepared to act. He did not rule out additions. Any decision is likely to depend on squad needs, player availability and whether a suitable opportunity emerges rather than on a transfer simply for its own sake.
Kobel sends message after Saibari’s injury
There was also a moment of concern during the Bayern match when Ismael Saibari sustained a serious-looking ankle injury following a collision with Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The incident occurred in the 26th minute, after Saibari had moved into a promising attacking position. He twisted his right foot during the challenge and was helped from the pitch before leaving the stadium on crutches.
Saibari was diagnosed with a tear to the syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle. Kobel later contacted him through an Instagram story, writing that he was sorry to see the injury and wishing him a quick recovery. Saibari replied with thanks. The exchange offered a reminder that, even in a fiercely contested match, concern for an injured opponent comes first.
Upcoming Borussia Dortmund fixtures
Dortmund’s schedule offers little time to dwell on the Bayern draw. The team is set to face Real Betis in the Champions League on 4 November, followed by a Bundesliga meeting with SV Elversberg on 7 November. Later fixtures include an away match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, a European trip to Arsenal and a home league game against Bayer Leverkusen.
Those matches will provide a clearer picture of Dortmund’s momentum and squad depth. Bellingham’s continued development, the fitness of key players and the club’s ability to manage a busy calendar could all shape the results. For supporters making a football prediction, the Bayern performance is an encouraging reference point—but Dortmund will need to reproduce that intensity consistently if they are to turn promise into a sustained challenge across competitions.
