Borussia Dortmund enter the new season with genuine momentum in the transfer market, even if their pre-season form has been mixed. The signing of Joey Veerman from PSV Eindhoven for 22 million euros stands as the centrepiece of a busy summer, with one data scouting expert already drawing comparisons to Rodri and calling it the best piece of business in the Bundesliga. Veerman is expected to bring creative control from deep, addressing a long-standing weakness in Dortmund's build-up play.

The squad rebuild has not stopped there. Giannis Konstantelias arrived from PAOK for around 30 million euros after a drawn-out saga that included fan protests in Greece, and the club is closing in on Barcelona right-back Hector Fort, who has rejected approaches from Roma and Real Sociedad to push for a move to Signal Iduna Park. Fort's arrival would fill the last open position in Niko Kovac's system following Yan Couto's departure to Como.

The other side of the transfer picture is less settled. Fabio Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka are both available for around 20 million euros each, while Marcel Sabitzer, entering the final year of his contract, could leave if a Champions League club comes calling. There are also concerns off the pitch, with chief scout Sebastian Krug attracting interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham.

Kovac himself has no contract beyond this season, with his renewal tied to sporting director Lars Ricken extending first. That situation appears a formality given recent results. Saturday's Super Cup at home to Bayern Munich, who will be without the injured Jamal Musiala, gives Dortmund an immediate chance to signal their ambitions for the season ahead.