Borussia Dortmund officials plan to travel to Belgium this week to hold direct talks with Genk regarding the transfer of Kosta Karetsas. The Bundesliga club are attempting to bridge a significant valuation gap and secure the highly-rated Greek talent before the squad departs for their pre-season tour of Japan.
Face-to-face negotiations
The delegation will meet Genk sporting director Dimitri De Condé on-site to negotiate terms for the youngster. Although Dortmund have already reached an agreement in principle with the player and his representatives regarding personal terms, the two clubs remain significantly apart on the transfer fee. Genk are demanding a guaranteed fee of €35 million for Karetsas, with the total deal potentially exceeding €40 million when performance-related add-ons are included. Dortmund’s most recent proposal fell slightly short of the €30 million mark, creating a gap that requires resolution.
Player preference and rival interest
Despite the monetary disparity, Dortmund retain a strong position in the race for the player’s signature. Karetsas and his family have made clear their preference for a move to the Signal Iduna Park rather than alternative destinations. This stance strengthens the German club’s negotiating hand, even as they work to meet the Belgian side’s firm valuation.
Serie A giants AC Milan have also registered interest in the Greek prospect, though they currently trail Dortmund in the pursuit. The Rossoneri represent a significant threat should the Bundesliga club fail to advance their bid quickly.
Pre-season deadline looms
The timing of this week’s discussions adds considerable urgency to the proceedings. Dortmund are keen to resolve the transfer before the first-team squad travels to Japan for their pre-season tour. Securing the deal promptly would allow any new arrival to participate in training sessions and friendly matches, facilitating integration with the group. Failure to reach an agreement during these talks could prolong the negotiations throughout the summer, increasing the risk of rival intervention.
Karetsas has emerged as one of the most coveted young prospects in European football, attracting attention from major continental clubs. The negotiations reflect Dortmund’s established strategy of identifying and securing emerging talent early in their careers, though they must now decide whether to meet Genk’s asking price or risk losing the player to competitors.