Millions saved: why Karetsas cost BVB less | OneFootball

After weeks of negotiations, Borussia Dortmund completed the transfer of Konstantinos Karetsas. The new BVB signing himself played a key role in the process and even helped lower his own transfer fee.

Borussia Dortmund have secured the services of Konstantinos Karetsas – and apparently also have the 18-year-old himself to thank for quite a bit. As BVB managing director Lars Ricken revealed, the attacking player played a decisive role in making sure the move ultimately went through.

Negotiations with KRC Genk dragged on for several weeks. The Belgian top-flight club is said to have initially insisted on a transfer fee of 35 million euros. Dortmund, however, were unwilling to pay that price and were ultimately able to complete the deal for 30 million euros plus possible bonus payments.

According to Ricken, the player’s clear desire to move was also a key reason why that was possible. “In the end, we negotiated a price that, from our point of view, was the best possible. Kostas and his stance played no insignificant part in that,” the BVB boss explained in an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten.

BVB convinced Konstantinos Karetsas early on to make the move

Dortmund had pushed hard early on to sign the top talent. Karetsas was invited to Dortmund to get an impression of the club and the conditions on site. In addition, head coach Niko Kovac even traveled to Belgium personally to convince the playmaker to make the move. The efforts paid off: Karetsas is then said to have personally asked his club to accept Dortmund’s lower offer.

Photo: IMAGO

Ricken said he was impressed by the new signing’s determination. “After the first meeting, Kos made it clear that he only wanted to join us. Those are exactly the kind of players we want. Players who aren’t flirting with three or four other clubs as well, but who are pursuing a clear goal.”

Despite the successful negotiations, the Greek is one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. At the same time, the transfer is a new record sale for KRC Genk. With his strong performances last season, in which he scored three goals and provided 18 assists, Karetsas is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising attacking talents. Now he is expected to prove that potential at BVB as well.

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