Dortmund Extends Julian Brandt’s Contract through 2026

In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)
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Dortmund Extends Julian Brandt’s Contract through 2026

In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)
In this file photo taken on February 4, 2023 Dortmund's German midfielder Julian Brandt (R) celebrates scoring the 4-1 goal with his teammtes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund v SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany. (AFP)

Borussia Dortmund extended attacking midfielder Julian Brandt's contract through the end of the 2025-26 season on Tuesday after his existing deal had barely a year left to run.

Brandt is Dortmund's second-highest scorer this season with eight goals in the Bundesliga and one in the Champions League as the team challenges Bayern Munich for the German title.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said the 26-year-old Brandt, who joined Dortmund in 2019, had improved significantly at the club over the last year, praising his increased contribution when out of possession.

“We are happy that he has decided to continue to shape Borussia Dortmund's sporting future as a leading player,” Kehl said.

Brandt has made 39 appearances for Germany but has only played four games since Hansi Flick took over as coach in 2021.



Lopetegui Appointed Coach of Qatar

Football - Premier League - Southampton v West Ham United - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - December 26, 2024 West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui reacts during the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Southampton v West Ham United - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - December 26, 2024 West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui reacts during the match. (Reuters)
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Lopetegui Appointed Coach of Qatar

Football - Premier League - Southampton v West Ham United - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - December 26, 2024 West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui reacts during the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Southampton v West Ham United - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - December 26, 2024 West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui reacts during the match. (Reuters)

Julen Lopetegui, sacked by Premier League side West Ham in January, was appointed the new head coach of Qatar on Thursday.

"Ready for a new chapter. Welcome Lopetegui.

"We're excited to embark on this journey together," the Qatar football federation wrote on social media.

"I'm ready" the Spaniard said in a video accompanying the post on X.

The 58-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain coach has signed a contract with the hosts of the 2022 World Cup until 2027 when Qatar will defend their Asian Cup title.

Lopetegui, who succeeds his fellow countryman Luis Garcia, will be in the Qatari dug out for the first time at a home match against Iran on June 5.

West Ham sacked Lopetegui in January after only 22 matches in charge.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona goalkeeper takes over Qatar as they try to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

He managed Spain for two years, winning 14 of his 20 matches before being abruptly dismissed in the run up to the 2018 World Cup after he had announced his imminent move to Real Madrid.