Borussia Dortmund Resist Manchester City Interest in Mathis Albert
Borussia Dortmund remain determined to keep 17-year-old American winger Mathis Albert within their first-team pathway despite significant transfer interest, with Manchester City among the clubs to have explored a permanent deal during the summer.
Dortmund protect a highly rated prospect
Albert has been regarded as one of the leading young players in Dortmund’s academy system and made Bundesliga history for American players when he appeared for the club in April, doing so 15 days before his 17th birthday. The appearance took him past Gio Reyna as the youngest American to feature in the German top flight.
His senior involvement has been limited so far this season. Albert’s only Dortmund outing came in the first round of the DFB Cup, where he started and completed the 5-0 victory against lower-division HEBC Hamburg.
Dortmund and head coach Niko Kovac have nevertheless continued to present the winger as part of the senior squad’s plans. The club rejected the prospect of a temporary move during the summer window, closing the door on loan proposals as they sought to retain control of his development.
Manchester City interest underlines Albert’s value
Interest in Albert has persisted across Europe, with several Premier League sides tracking his situation. Manchester City made a formal summer approach to buy the player outright, while leading clubs were reported to be prepared to offer as much as €15 million, equivalent to around $16.8 million.
Kovac has indicated that Albert faces no internal barriers to earning opportunities. The Dortmund coach described him as a gifted young player who has impressed in training and suggested that more minutes could arrive sooner rather than later.
- Albert became Dortmund’s youngest Bundesliga player from the United States when he debuted in April.
- He played the full match in the 5-0 DFB Cup win over HEBC Hamburg, his sole senior appearance this campaign.
- Dortmund resisted loan interest during the summer despite approaches from other clubs.
- Manchester City pursued an outright transfer, with Albert’s potential fee reported at up to €15 million.
- After returning from United States duty, Albert is again competing for a larger role in Kovac’s squad.
International camp adds to his growing profile
Albert returned to Germany after an extended United States national-team camp in which he scored during a 4-2 win over Chile. That goal briefly made him the youngest scorer in USMNT history, overtaking former Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic.
The record lasted only a matter of days, as Philadelphia Union prospect Cavan Sullivan then scored against Mexico to become the new youngest USMNT goalscorer.
Albert was still a prominent figure across the camp. The United States won each of their four matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, and he was one of only three uncapped players to play in every game. Julian Hall and Brooklyn Raines were the others.
League leaders turn attention to Europe
Dortmund are top of the Bundesliga and remain unbeaten after their opening five league fixtures, with Friday’s match against Werder Bremen ending in a draw. Their next assignment is in the Champions League, where they travel to face Bodo/Glimt.
- Albert remains a Dortmund player despite summer interest from Manchester City and other elite clubs.
- The winger has made one senior appearance this season, completing the DFB Cup tie against HEBC Hamburg.
- His USMNT goal against Chile briefly set a national age record before Cavan Sullivan surpassed it.
- Kovac expects the teenager to receive increased first-team opportunities.
- Dortmund enter their trip to Bodo/Glimt unbeaten in five Bundesliga games.
