5 things Borussia Dortmund must do to catch Bayern Munich next year

Borussia Dortmund don’t have enough time to run Bayern Munich down this season, but making these moves in the summer could help Dortmund close the gap.

Borussia Dortmund will almost certainly fall short of knocking off Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season. That doesn’t make the campaign a failure for the black and yellow, but it does mean that changes in the summer are imperative for the club.

A roster overhaul is not required. Dortmund have a very talented group of players that are capable of overcoming Bayern next season. They don’t have the star power or depth that propels their German rivals to greatness, but they have an appealing style of play that gives them a chance to overcome their relative lack of resources.

Dortmund officials need to enjoy a very productive summer if they want to win the Bundesliga next year. Making these five moves would help them close the gap and ultimately, overtake Bayern.

Borussia Dortmund priority No. 5: Find a role for Giovanni Reyna

Reyna is clearly a talented player who has earned the trust of the Dortmund coaching staff. Now it’s time for the American teenager to carve our a meaningful role in their squad for the 2020-21 campaign.

That doesn’t mean he deserves to go right into the starting XI. Instead, he should be utilized as a regular midfield substitute for the foreseeable future. He’s got the size and skill required to thrive in that role for Dortmund. He simply needs time and space to grow against Bundesliga competition.

There will be a natural temptation for club officials to purchase a more established midfield reserve this summer, but the club’s limited transfer funds should be used elsewhere. Reyna is ready to soak up significant minutes for the club. His development into valuable midfield depth for Dortmund will help them in their quest for a Bundesliga title.