Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keeping tabs on two 17-year-olds currently playing their trade in South America. The club has an amazing record of scouting young players from around the world and developing them into promising prospects at Dortmund, a policy that could take shape again soon.
According to Sky Sport, Der BVB are monitoring Kaua Prates from Cruzeiro and Juan Cruz Meza of River Plate, two rising stars who are making waves in the South American leagues for their promising displays.
🚨🐝 Borussia Dortmund are exploring a deal to sign Kaua #Prates. Talks have started, and the club have carried out several live scouting visits on site.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 27, 2025
A move for the 17 y/o talented left-back from Cruzeiro will be difficult to complete, but Sebastian Kehl is trying to make it… pic.twitter.com/xzrQg4JMGm
A left-back by trade, Prates broke into Cruzeiro's first team and has garnered eight appearances in all competitions, including four in the Brazilian Serie A. His current contract with the side runs until 2027 and includes a €30 million (£26m/$35m) release clause, a fee that Dortmund is reportedly unwilling to pay.
The report states that Die Borussen are exploring alternative ways to structure a deal, such as including performance-based bonuses or add-ons. However, Prates is being pursued by multiple European clubs, making him a highly competitive prospect.
Similarly, Meza has come into Dortmund's radar for his versatile performances and promising touches in the offensive third with River Plate's reserve team. He's yet to break into their first-team setup, but Dortmund scouts have reportedly attended many of his games to assess his qualities.
Meza's contract with River Plate runs until December 2026, and according to Sky Sports, he's also being watched by multiple suitors from across Europe.