Borussia Dortmund have officially completed the signing of Greek international Konstantinos Karetsas from Belgian side KRC Genk. Karetsas gets set to begin the Bundesliga chapter of his career after signing a five-year contract with the Bundesliga runners-up through June 30, 2031. Kicker reports that Dortmund are paying a guaranteed transfer fee of €30m, with realistically attainable bonuses capable of increasing the package to €32m.
Genk have also reportedly secured a ten-percent share of any future transfer profit. Sport Bild places Karetsas’ base salary at approximately €3.5m per year, with further performance-related bonuses built into his contract. The agreement concludes a prolonged transfer saga. Dortmund initially increased their offer to more than €30m after Genk rejected an earlier proposal.
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The clubs subsequently failed to bridge the remaining financial gap, despite Karetsas having already agreed personal terms through 2031. Genk initially sought a guaranteed €35m and an overall package potentially reaching €40m.
Sporting director Nils Ole Book publicly addressed Dortmund’s unsuccessful initial pursuit of Karetsas before electing to skip the club’s tour of Japan to continue working on the club’s outstanding transfer business.
Karetsas arrives as Julian Brandt successor
Karetsas is expected to fill the creative vacancy created by Julian Brandt’s departure. Dortmund confirmed in March that Brandt’s expiring contract would not be extended, with the long-serving German international subsequently joining Ajax. BVB also required additional attacking assistance following Karim Adeyemi’s €22m move to Barcelona.
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Karetsas primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but is equally comfortable beginning on the right and moving into central areas. His close control, agility, vision, and ability to find quick solutions in congested spaces provide Dortmund with a profile previously lacking in the squad.
The left-footer is expected to compete for one of the two attacking-midfield positions behind Serhou Guirassy. Maximilian Beier, Fábio Silva, Samuele Inácio, and Justin Lerma represent his principal competition for playing time.
Greek international excelled for Genk
Born and developed in Genk, Karetsas made his senior debut at the age of 16 and established himself as a regular starter during the following campaign.
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The teenager registered three goals and 18 assists in 49 competitive appearances last season. Only Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, and fellow Greek international Christos Tzolis supplied more assists across Europe’s ten highest-ranked leagues.
Karetsas also contributed two goals and five assists in 11 Europa League appearances. Get German Football News observed his quality directly during Genk’s round-of-16 tie against Freiburg.
The Greek international helped create the decisive goal during Genk’s 1-0 first-leg victory and later struck the post before setting up Matte Smets during Freiburg’s 5-1 second-leg win.
His estimated market value rose from €20m to €35m during the season. Karetsas has also scored three goals in ten senior appearances for Greece since switching his international allegiance from Belgium.
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The €30m guaranteed fee – per Transfermarkt – makes him Genk’s record sale and potentially Dortmund’s second-most-expensive signing should all bonuses be triggered.
Statements on Konstantinos Karetsas’ signing
“With Kos, we’re picking up a player who, at just 18 years of age, already possesses tremendous ability,” managing director for sport Lars Ricken said. “Despite all the quality he already brings to the table, we still see potential in him that we want to develop together.”
“With his creativity and footballing intelligence, Kos will enrich our team,” sporting director Nils-Ole Book added. “He is technically very adept and has the ability to find quick solutions in tight spaces, particularly in the final third.”
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“Borussia Dortmund is a special club, and I’m incredibly proud to now be able to wear the black-and-yellow jersey,” Karetsas himself said. “I want to do my part to ensure that we’re successful together.”
GGFN | Peter Weis
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