Dortmund eye Frankfurt full‑back Elias Baum to fill Couto void

Borussia Dortmund have turned their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt’s 20‑year‑old right‑back Elias Baum, whose impressive preseason has prompted the German club to view him as a potential successor to departing full‑back Yan Couto as they seek depth ahead of Champions League and Supercup commitments.

New personnel executive Nils Ole Book, a former Dortmund sporting director, has taken charge of the scouting operation in Germany. Book previously worked with Baum at Elversberg, where the defender first caught his attention.

Sky Germany, relayed by transfermarkt.de, reported that Book sees Baum as a potential successor to Yan Couto. The report underlines Dortmund’s intent to strengthen the right‑back position ahead of the new season.

During the 2024/25 2. Bundesliga campaign, Baum’s performances lifted his estimated market value from €1 million to €8 million, marking him as one of Germany’s most promising young full‑backs.

After returning to Frankfurt, Baum managed only 71 Bundesliga minutes last season, causing his market value to fall to €4 million and reducing interest from other Bundesliga clubs.

Eintracht’s new head coach Adi Hütter praised Baum’s preseason displays, saying, “Elias has power, he has punch and he wants it.” Hütter added that interest from other clubs does not surprise him.

While Dortmund already have Norwegian international Julian Ryerson as the established right‑back, the club’s Champions League and Supercup fixtures could provide Baum with opportunities. Frankfurt, on the other hand, offers a clearer pathway with veteran Timothy Chandler as the only other nominal right‑back.

The connection between Book and Baum has revived interest from the German club as they evaluate options for their defensive line. Any potential move will depend on negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt, who see the defender as part of their squad alongside Chandler.