Borussia Dortmund is on the verge of confirming its first major signing of the summer transfer window, with reports indicating that the club has reached an agreement for the transfer of promising center-back Joane Gadou from RB Salzburg. The 19-year-old has reportedly already passed his medical examination.
While initial reports suggested a fee around 20 million Euros, Austrian publication Bild indicated that Salzburg was seeking a higher figure, potentially around 25 million Euros plus an additional four to six million Euros in performance-related bonuses. This could push the total transfer fee towards the 30 million Euro mark.
Gadou, who stands at an impressive 1.95 meters tall, joined Salzburg from Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy in 2024. The French junior international has made 33 appearances across all competitions for Salzburg this season, gaining valuable international experience in the Europa League.
The addition of Gadou is expected to bolster Dortmund’s defense, which has been hampered by the departure of Niklas Süle, the long-term injury to Emre Can, and the uncertain future of Nico Schlotterbeck. Dortmund has been actively seeking reinforcements in the central defensive positions.
Dortmund’s interest in Gadou is said to have been present for some time, with former BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl reportedly taking notice of the young talent in the spring.
Michael Unverdorben, deputy sports editor at Salzburger Nachrichten, believes that Dortmund is acquiring a defender who is «further along at this age than Dayot Upamecano was.»
Unverdorben commented, «He is certainly Salzburg’s best center-back. It was always known that he would be a big transfer because he simply has incredibly good qualities and huge potential. He is strong in tackles and aerial duels and possesses everything a defender of international caliber needs,» speaking to SPOX in early May.