Genk Set Out Asking Price For Star Attacker Konstantinos Karetsas As Dortmund Assess Their Next Move

The imminent departure of Karim Adeyemi to Barcelona has seemingly sprung Borussia Dortmund into life, as, following many weeks of complete radio silence when it comes to any incomings this summer, it would appear that Dortmund have plotted out their next move. 

BVB have highlighted Greek attacking wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas as their replacement for Julian Brandt. Brandt departed the German Giants this summer, and it has long been expected that Dortmund would seek to replace the midfielder, given how much he brought to the team in an attacking sense.

Niko Kovac and the Borussia Dortmund hierarchy have deemed it essential that a player is brought in who not only matches the numbers and influence Julian Brandt had but also has the potential to surpass the playmaker over time, and it would appear that the club have found the man they believe is capable of all of this. 

The Belgian-born but Greek international, due to having Greek parents, has had an exceptional rise to fame. Breaking into the Genk first team at just 15 years old and made an immediate impact, registering an assist in his first start for Genk against Royal Antwerp. He would then go on to be a regular in the first team set-up in the season following (2024/25), playing 39 times and getting three goals and three assists while still only being 16 years old.

However, his most recent season, the campaign just gone, would be the one that caught the attention of clubs from around Europe, including Borussia Dortmund. Konstantinos Karetsas would score three goals but achieve 14 assists in the league, helping qualify Genk for the UEFA Europa Conference League, and despite this being a disappointing season for Genk as a club, Konstantinos Karetsas was a shining light to come out of it.

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So, due to this impressive season at such a young age, Karetsas has attracted significant attention this summer, but it would appear that Borussia Dortmund are the frontrunners for his signature. The Belgian club have placed a reported €35 million (£29.8 million) price tag on their starboy this summer. However, BILD has reported that Genk has set out a specific structure for how they would like any deal to be completed, and it follows a similar pattern to a previous BVB deal. 

That is because Genk want a fee of €28 million up front, with achievable add-ons and bonus payments taking the total transfer fee to around €35 million (£29.8 million). This is very similar to the way Borussia Dortmund have structured the imminent transfer of Karim Adeyemi to Barcelona, and the Yellow Wall will have some familiarity with this type of transfer deal.  But the question still remains: will Dortmund meet this asking price and payment structure, or will they lose out on another top target due to financials?

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In summary, Borussia Dortmund have all the information they need for this transfer; they are aware of the total fee wanted by Genk as well as how the Belgian-based club want the deal structured and paid, but what is unclear at the moment is whether Dortmund meet those financial demands.

In theory, you would have thought that if this is indeed Dortmund's top target to come in and replace the creative void left by the departed Julian Brandt, then Dortmund should pay up and secure their man. However, it would be a large chunk of money, and I would imagine a significant portion of BVB's overall transfer budget this summer would be used, as effectively the Adeyemi transfer money would be going straight to Genk, plus a little more. 

But in the current transfer market, where clubs can and will charge astronomical figures for players, €35 million (£29.8 million) for an 18-year-old who has clear ability and sky-high potential, it could be a fee worth paying, especially considering the possible future fee Karetsas could bring in should he continue to develop at the rate he is.