Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement in principle with Konstantinos Karetsas over personal terms, yet the Bundesliga club still face an uphill battle to secure the midfielder from KRC Genk. Negotiations between the two clubs remain ongoing, with the Belgian outfit having already rejected multiple proposals from the German side.
The 18-year-old Greece international has emerged as Dortmund’s priority target to replace Julian Brandt, who departed Signal Iduna Park after his contract expired. Sporting director Ole Book is determined to complete the acquisition, though a significant gap persists between the clubs’ valuations.
The negotiation standoff
Genk are reportedly demanding up to €35 million for their academy graduate, a substantial figure for a teenager with limited top-flight experience. Dortmund’s offers to date have reached approximately €30 million including performance-related bonuses, falling short of the Belgian club’s asking price.
The stalemate leaves the transfer in a delicate position. While the player appears keen on a switch to the Bundesliga, Genk’s reluctance to lower their demands means Dortmund must either increase their bid or explore alternative targets.
Funding and squad reshuffle
The Black and Yellows may look to finance the move through the impending sale of Karim Adeyemi to Barcelona. That transfer could generate up to €29 million including add-ons, which would cover the majority of Karetsas’s fee should the Catalans meet the full terms.
Karetsas enjoyed a productive campaign in Belgium last season, contributing 18 assists and three goals across 49 appearances in all competitions. The attacking midfielder has also established himself internationally, earning ten caps for Greece and contributing three goals.
Should Dortmund bridge the financial divide, the teenager would represent a significant long-term investment in their creative midfield ranks. For now, however, the deal remains contingent on whether the German club are prepared to meet Genk’s firm valuation.