Borussia Dortmund appears to be on the verge of acquiring the services of Gladbach’s promising offensive talent, Peniel Poba.
According to reports from the Ruhr Nachrichten, the 17-year-old is set to join BVB for the upcoming season. No transfer fee is expected; instead, only a modest training compensation will be paid.
Poba is recognized for his strong dribbling skills, ball security, and pace. This season, the winger has made 20 appearances for the «Foals'» U17 team, scoring one goal and providing six assists.
The teenager is not immediately slated for the BVB senior squad. For now, Poba is expected to be carefully integrated into Dortmund’s U19 team to facilitate his next developmental step.
BVB: Book Reportedly Rethinking Transfer Approach
This signing aligns with BVB’s transfer strategy of recent years, which involves identifying and developing promising young talents early on. There are numerous successful examples, including Youssoufa Moukoko, Julien Duranville, and Giovanni Reyna. This approach also mirrors the early acquisitions of Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Ousmane Dembele, all of whom were later sold for substantial profits.
With the new Sporting Director Ole Book, who recently took over from Sebastian Kehl, this strategy is expected to continue. The 40-year-old previously made a name for himself at his former club, Elversberg, as a «pearl diver,» known for discovering hidden gems. According to a report from kicker, he now intends to focus more on players in lower German leagues, particularly in the 2. Bundesliga, while in Dortmund.
BVB has several areas to address for the new season, with reinforcements being considered in defense, midfield, and attack. Two transfers are already confirmed: Justin Lerma (18 years old, attacking midfielder) and Kaua Prates (18, left-back). On the other hand, it is clear that Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan will be leaving the club on free transfers.