Borussia Dortmund reach agreement in principle for Konstantinos Karetsas

Borussia Dortmund are closing in on the signing of Greek attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas from Belgian club Gent, with managing director Lars Ricken confirming from the club’s pre-season base in Japan that an agreement in principle is in place.

Ricken told reporters that the framework of the deal has been agreed between all parties, though the transfer has not yet been made official. The 18-year-old is expected to complete his move after Dortmund return from their pre-season tour of Japan.

“Of course, we are hoping and are also firmly assuming that – when we return from Japan – he will hopefully be able to join the team,” Ricken said.

Key facts

What the deal means for Dortmund’s midfield

Karetsas is viewed internally as the long-term replacement for Julian Brandt, who left Dortmund as a free agent this summer. The teenager’s creative output – 11 league assists last season from an attacking midfield role – addresses a clear need for Dortmund, who have lost several creative players in the current window.

Ricken emphasised that Karetsas is not being signed purely as a future prospect. “Konstantinos is a player who can immediately make a sporting impact with his quality. At such a young age, he has already established himself and proven himself in the Belgian league and with the national team. He’s a fine player with excellent technical ability!”

International experience despite young age

Karetsas made his competitive debut for Greece in March 2025 and has since earned 10 senior caps, seven of them starts. He has contributed three goals and one assist at international level, indicating he can adapt quickly to a higher standard of competition.

His development at Gent, where he registered double-digit assists in the Belgian Pro League last season, has drawn attention from several European clubs. Dortmund appear to have won the race for his signature.

Dortmund’s summer transfer activity so far

Karetsas would become Dortmund’s fourth signing of the summer window, following:
– Joane Gadou (from RB Salzburg)
– Justin Lerma (from Independiente)
– Kauã Prates (from Cruzeiro)

The club has also seen significant departures. Brandt (free agent), Niklas Süle (Tiefenbach), Karim Adeyemi (Barcelona) and Salih Özcan (Beşiktaş) have all left permanently, while Cole Campbell (Elversberg), Julien Duranville (Olympique Lyon) and Kjell Wätjen (Midtjylland) have departed on loan.

Potential debut timeline

If the move is completed as expected, Karetsas could make his competitive debut for Dortmund in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Bayern Munich on 22 August. Dortmund then begin their Bundesliga campaign the following week at home to Hamburg.

The Supercup clash against their fiercest rivals would provide an immediate high-stakes environment for the teenager to demonstrate his quality, though Dortmund may manage his introduction gradually given his age and the step up from the Belgian Pro League to the Bundesliga.

Source: Bundesliga – Borussia Dortmund reach agreement in principle for Konstantinos Karetsas (https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/borussia-dortmund-konstantinos-karetsas-agree-deal-lars-ricken-38419)