Karetsas Ontknoping: Dortmund's €30m bid heats up transfer

Borussia Dortmund have tabled a €30 million offer plus €5 million in bonuses for Konstantinos Karetsas, the 19‑year‑old midfielder of KRC Genk, while the Belgian club is asking for a fixed €35 million and a future sell‑on clause. The deal would see Karetsas leave the Limburg side for the German club before the end of the transfer window. Dortmund’s sporting director Ole Book confirmed the club wants two offensive reinforcements, stating, “We know what we want: two offensive positions.” He identified Karetsas and Said El Mala as the targets, underlining the German side’s intent to bolster its attack. The financial gap remains the main obstacle. Dortmund’s €30 million bid, supplemented by €5 million in bonuses, was rejected by Genk, who insist on €35 million upfront and a percentage of any future sale. The two clubs have resumed talks after a period of silence. Karetsas is under contract with Genk until June 2029, meaning the Belgian side can retain him for another season if its demands are not met. Despite the price dispute, the player has already given his approval for a move to Dortmund. The transfer race is complicated by other interests. AC Milan’s potential pursuit of Karetsas hinges on the departure of Portuguese international Rafael Le, while Turkish side Fenerbahçe is watching the situation but must first sell Le before launching an offensive campaign. This leaves Dortmund in a strong position to secure the young Belgian‑Greek talent. Negotiations are set to restart early next week, with both clubs aware that a resolution will shape their squads for the upcoming season. For Dortmund, signing Karetsas would fulfil a strategic offensive need; for Genk, meeting the €35 million valuation would provide a significant financial boost while preserving the option to keep the player for another year.