Kovac expected to extend Dortmund deal, but agreement remains formally open

Niko Kovac is expected to extend his Borussia Dortmund contract until 2029, with Carsten Cramer saying the agreement is only a matter of time. The executive also said the situation remains formally open, with a signature and official announcement still to come.

Cramer said the outstanding points were largely formal. He explained that the international break had kept every member of the club’s leadership from taking part in the final discussions. “Because not everyone was at the club all the time during the international break, there are still a few discussions to be had,” he said.

Dortmund have won their first four Bundesliga matches and lead the table as the only side with a perfect record. Kovac first arrived at Dortmund in January 2025, with his initial contract set to expire after the 2025/26 season, then agreed to an extension until June 2027. Reports have indicated that the club and the coach have reached an agreement in principle on a new contract through 2029.

Kovac’s position has strengthened considerably since he took charge. Appointed in January 2025 during a difficult period for Dortmund, he helped restore stability. A subsequent run of results has put the club at the top of the Bundesliga. Keeping him beyond his current deal would therefore signal Dortmund’s commitment to the direction taken under the Croatian.