BVB look to Italy: will Dortmund snap up this defensive gem? | OneFootball

His role model is Nico Schlotterbeck (26). It is quite possible that Matteo Palma will one day line up alongside Dortmund’s defensive leader. For now, however, the 18-year-old defensive jewel is still playing for Udinese Calcio.

A few days ago, Palma was on the pitch for the Friulians for the full 90 minutes. In the first round of the Coppa Italia, Udinese hosted second-division side Padova Calcio. A goal from Keinan Davis (28) after 35 minutes sent the top-flight team through. In defense, the youngster, who stands at an imposing 1.95 meters, cleared everything away without compromise.

In July 2022, Udinese Calcio signed the Berlin-born player from Hertha BSC on a free transfer. The German-Italian then progressed through the Bianconeri’s youth ranks. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie B side Sampdoria Genoa. He made 11 appearances for the 1990 European trophy winner and scored one goal.

With a contract running until 2031, Palma can hope for more appearances for Udinese. He currently has 11 senior appearances for the club to his name.

“I want to have that mix too”

According to information from transfer expert Ekrem Konur on X, the 13-time German youth international, who also made three appearances for Italy’s U15 side, has played his way onto the radar of numerous top clubs. In Serie A, Juventus as well as the Milan clubs Inter and AC are said to have the defensive jewel on their list.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are even said to have already submitted offers worth 30 million euros, according to Konur. However, the Bundesliga duo got nowhere with the Bianconeri. Udinese turned down both Leverkusen and BVB.

Photo: Getty Images

Palma spoke to BILD in January 2026 about his goals. “In the long term, I personally want to stay injury-free, keep developing while enjoying myself and, of course, win titles at some point,” said the 18-year-old. “Ideally, I also want to play in the Champions League and at a World Cup. Those are huge dreams that you have to work hard for — but I’m ready to do that.”

Alongside Sergio Ramos (40/unattached) and Virgil van Dijk (35/Liverpool), he also counts Dortmund’s defensive leader among his biggest role models. “Schlotterbeck is not only very good physically, but also on the ball,” the defender enthused. “That is extremely important in modern football, even for center-backs. I want to have that mix too, and I’m working on it.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.