Bild reports that Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is leaning towards retiring at the end of the season once his contract expires.
Hummels is aware that he is struggling to keep up with the pace of the modern game and he does not want to miss the right time to end his career.
However, the situation at Dortmund is also contributing to his decision. In recent weeks, head coach Edin Terzic has benched Hummels in favour of Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle, despite Hummels being one of if not Dortmund’s best defenders this season.
The fact that Hummels has been benched has also affected his chances of potentially getting one last farewell at Euro 2024 as he had previously regained his place in the national team.
All teams need an eventual refresh but it says a lot about Terzic and his man management when both of the teams ‘leaders’ and most experienced players are unlikely to extend their contracts due to their relationship with Terzic. This follows the tendency that Marco Reus will also leave Dortmund at the end of the season.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
