As the summer transfer window gathers pace, Borussia Dortmund remain in contention for new recruits.
The club is aiming to compete more fiercely on all fronts next season as their title drought now stands at six years.
So far, the Black and Yellow have announced signings of three young players in Joane Gadou, Justin Lerma and Kaua Prates in a combined transfer of roughly €30 million.
Kovac vows to give them time
As the young guns now look to settle into the squad during the pre-season, head coach Niko Kovac was asked where do each of them stand right now, during his first club interview post the summer break.
The Croatian's answer sounded promising:
""All three are foreign players coming to Germany, who are naturally entering a completely different environment. That’s why we have to give the lads time to acclimate, integrate, and grow into the team here.""as quoted on Dortmund's official site
Kovac's words will be music to Gadou, Lerma and Prates' ears as each of the young guns could be in for regular gametime throughout the 2026-27 season.
Gadou perhaps faces the toughest competition for places than the other two, with Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini and Nico Schlotterbeck all ranking ahead in the pecking order. But there's Filippo Mane and Luca Reggiani in the gunning too.
But Schlotterbeck is currently injured and not expected to return before the end of September, while speculations continue over the future of Luca Reggiani. Moreover, Anton and Bensebaini are coming off an exhausting FIFA World Cup campaigns too.
In light of all this, Gadou could be given an chance early into the tournament.
With Julian Brandt leaving Dortmund at the end of 2025-26 season, the club is currently short of a proven quantity in the attacking midfield department. But until that's resolved, Lerma can hope for some minutes there and continue as backup across competitions even if another player in that position is signed.
As for Prates, the Brazilian will be competing for the left-back spot with Swedish ace Daniel Svensson.
With each of these players, Kovac will have immense tactical flexibility next season and he will be hoping that these teenagers make the most of the time they will get by turning in good performances.
The Croatian further added that Dortmund is known to give a platform for many such young players to shine and want to continue writing more success stories.
" "BVB has been known for the past few decades for giving these players those opportunities. And that’s what we want, too. We want to be successful with good, talented young players. ""said the Dortmund manager
We could get a glimpse of each of these players tomorrow when Dortmund play their first pre-season game of the summer against RW Oberhausen.
Add us as a preferred source on Google