BVB chases 15‑year‑old Ilyas Houira – competition from English giants

On the artificial turf of FC Copenhagen, a scout watches the quick movements of 15‑year‑old Ilyas Houira as he skillfully controls the ball with his foot and directs the game. The young midfielder has already signed a three‑year contract until 2029 and is in the focus of BVB.

English and Dutch competition

Photo: Imago. As the Danish sports newspaper “Tipsbladet” reports, Borussia Dortmund is among the clubs that are intensively focusing on the youngster Ilyas Houira. The hand‑picked talent from Europe is currently generating international headlines and ranks high on the scouting lists of several top clubs.

Football‑wise, Ilyas Houira stands out especially with extraordinary technique on the ball. The left‑footed player operates in the centre of midfield, adds dynamism to the build‑up play and consistently wins balls in transition. In the strong U17 team of Copenhagen he already takes on the role of the playmaker.

Strong competition: BVB hunts 15‑year‑old Danish super‑talent

BVB must also prepare for strong competition when trying to recruit the youngster. Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Ajax Amsterdam are also closely monitoring his development.

Ilyas Houira’s club career initially took him through the Danish league rival Aarhus before he moved to FC Copenhagen. There he signed a three‑year contract on his 15th birthday last March, which runs until 2029.

BVB targets 15‑year‑old Copenhagen midfield star despite transfer ban

Internationally, Ilyas Houira already plays for Morocco’s U17 national team. Since he will only reach the minimum age of 16 for the Bundesliga in March 2027, a winter transfer would initially make him ineligible for BVB’s senior squad.