YOUTH
BVB secures 17‑year‑old Enzo Duarte after standout preparation
After a strong preparation BVB, Borussia Dortmund announced it will secure one of its brightest talents, 17‑year‑old Enzo Duarte, with a long‑term deal. The midfielder impressed the professionals during the preseason, putting him at the centre of the club’s future plans and highlighting the value of its youth Talente.
From youth contract to professional deal
Enzo Duarte already holds a Fördervertrag with the BVB that runs until 2028. According to Informationen from Sky, he is now poised to put his Unterschrift on a Profivertrag within the coming Woche. The new Kontrakt will turn the 17‑year‑old Mittelfeldspieler into a full‑time professional. The signing represents the next Karriereschritt for the young midfielder.
Since joining Dortmund in January 2025 on a free transfer, Duarte has featured in 36 Pflichtspiele for the club’s Nachwuchsmannschaften. Those appearances amount to roughly 2 500 Einsatzminuten, during which he recorded two Treffer and seven Vorlagen. His contributions have cemented his reputation as a promising Mittelfeld‑Talent.
The young midfielder feels most comfortable in the centre of the pitch, particularly on the Achterposition. This central role allows him to dictate play and support both defence and attack, reinforcing his status as a versatile Mittelfeld‑Spieler.
International breakthrough fuels Dortmund’s plans
At 16 years, four months and 13 days, Duarte made his debut for Luxembourg’s A‑Nationalmannschaft, becoming the third‑youngest player in the country’s history. The appearance also made him the youngest BVB player ever to feature for a senior national side. He has since added five Länderspiele to his record, including a full‑match start against Albania in early June.
Within Dortmund’s internal ranking of Talente, Duarte has climbed sharply, now positioned among the top prospects. The club’s scouting department notes his rapid development during the recent preparation with the Profis. This rise underscores the value the Verein places on nurturing home‑grown talent.
By offering a long‑term Profivertrag, Borussia Dortmund aims to bind the promising Mittelfeld‑Talent early and avoid losing him to rival clubs. The contract, expected to span several Jahre, reflects the club’s confidence in Duarte’s future impact. Such a move aligns with Dortmund’s broader strategy of securing its best youth assets. The agreement also secures the Mittelfeldspielers long‑term development within the squad.
The contrast between Duarte’s impressive preparation performances and the imminent signing illustrates Dortmund’s commitment to converting preseason success into lasting club stability. As the 17‑year‑old prepares to sign, the BVB’s investment signals a clear pathway from academy promise to senior responsibility.