BVB Secures Breakthrough! Successor to Julian Brandt Incoming for Record Fee
Tense negotiations between BVB and KRC Genk for Konstantinos Karetsas have concluded, according to consistent media reports.
Borussia Dortmund, represented by Sporting Director Ole Book, reportedly achieved a breakthrough on-site in Belgium on Monday, and the club is expected to officially announce its next summer transfer soon. A medical examination is anticipated in the coming days.
The Black and Yellows are understood to have agreed terms with the Greek talent weeks ago but faced persistent difficulties with the Belgian first-division club regarding the transfer fee.
A satisfactory agreement has now been reached for both parties, although the exact transfer fee varies slightly across different reports. While kicker mentions a base fee of 30 million euros plus two million euros in bonuses, Bild reports a total package of 33 million euros. Additionally, it is understood that Genk has secured a sell-on clause.
BVB: Karetsas Could Be the Second Most Expensive Transfer in Club History
Regardless of the specifics, this deal represents a record sale for Genk. Karetsas will surpass Tolu Arokodare, who was sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers for 26 million euros last year. Should the bonus payments be met, the 18-year-old will become Dortmund's second most expensive signing, trailing only Ousmane Dembele (who joined from Stade Rennes for 35 million euros in 2019).
Karetsas is reportedly set to sign a five-year contract with the Ruhr club, where he is expected to fill the offensive midfield role left vacant by Julian Brandt, whose contract expired in the summer. Several other clubs, including AC Milan and PSG, were rumored to be interested in the teenager.
Karetsas: 21 Goal Contributions Last Season
Born in Genk, Karetsas joined the youth academy of Belgian first-division club KRC at the age of six. He spent two and a half years at RSC Anderlecht during his youth career but returned to Genk in early 2023.
He made his first-team debut in the top league at just 16 years old. Last season, he was a key player for the traditional club from central Belgium, recording three goals and an impressive 18 assists in the concluded campaign.
Karetsas is BVB's fourth new signing this summer, following Joane Gadou, Kaua Prates, and Justin Lerma, who collectively cost around 30 million euros. However, Borussia's transfer activities may not be over, as Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln is also reportedly a target.
BVB: Borussia Dortmund's Record Transfers
| # | Player | Previous Club | Transfer Fee | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ousmane Dembele | Stade Rennes | 35.00 million Euro | 16/17 |
| 2 | Sébastien Haller | Ajax Amsterdam | 31.00 million Euro | 22/23 |
| 3 | Mats Hummels | Bayern Munich | 30.50 million Euro | 19/20 |
| 4 | Jude Bellingham | Birmingham City | 30.15 million Euro | 20/21 |
| 5 | Felix Nmecha | VfL Wolfsburg | 30.00 million Euro | 23/24 |
| 6 | Karim Adeyemi | RB Salzburg | 30.00 million Euro | 22/23 |
| 7 | Donyell Malen | PSV Eindhoven | 30.00 million Euro | 21/22 |
| 8 | André Schürrle | VfL Wolfsburg | 30.00 million Euro | 16/17 |
| 9 | Maximilian Beier | TSG Hoffenheim | 28.50 million Euro | 24/25 |
| 10 | Abdou Diallo | FSV Mainz 05 | 28.00 million Euro | 18/19 |
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