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.



Former Real Madrid, PSG Goalkeeper Keylor Navas Joins Newell's Old Boys on Free Transfer

 Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo
Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo
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Former Real Madrid, PSG Goalkeeper Keylor Navas Joins Newell's Old Boys on Free Transfer

 Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo
Keylor Navas during the a match REUTERS/Mayela Lopez/File Photo

Former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas joined the Argentinian club Newell's Old Boys on a free transfer on Wednesday, The AP reported.

The 38-year-old Costa Rican, who recently retired from international soccer, won three Champions League titles with Real but has not played since the end of his stint in Paris last May.

“Thank God we are returning to the pitch," Navas said on his social media accounts. "I feel ready, willing and very happy to take this new challenge.”

Newell's, Lionel Messi's boyhood club, is based in Rosario, 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Buenos Aires.

Newell's called Navas “an international legend” on social media. He has played in the last three World Cups for his country.

The length of his deal with Newell's has not been disclosed.