Borussia Dortmund’s hunt stalls as targets miss out

Borussia Dortmund’s summer hunt falters as the club’s attempts to sign Konstantinos Karetsas and Said El Mala fell through, sporting director Nils Ole Book, Speaking to Sky Germany, told the German side. The German side expressed frustration over the stalled search for additional attacking options, noting the first window under the new personnel executive has been anything but smooth.

The effort to acquire the Greek attacker Konstantinos Karetsas proved unsuccessful, with negotiations failing to produce a contract. Dortmund’s scouting department had identified him as a potential replacement for departing forwards.

A bid for 1. FC Köln starlet Said El Mala was met with an immediate rejection, ending Dortmund’s pursuit of the young German prospect. The club had hoped the forward could fill the void left by recent departures.

Despite the setbacks, Book confirmed the completion of Brazilian defender Kaua Prates, a signing initiated under predecessor Sebastian Kehl. Central defender Joane Gadou also joined the BVB squad, bolstering the defensive line.

Attacker Justin Lerma arrived under Book’s watch, the 18‑year‑old viewed as a long‑term prospect rather than an immediate solution. His addition reflects Dortmund’s strategy of nurturing youthful talent alongside established players.

Book warned, “The amount of misinformation in recent days has already been quite substantial,” when Speaking to Sky Germany. He added that the club would have liked to secure an attacking player by now.

He continued, “We know what we want: two attacking players to replace the departed Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi.” Book also praised the ability to keep the core of the team together.

Concluding, Book said, “We still want to make the right moves. It’s not just about sheer speed. Timing is critical.”