Brandt successor already found? Kovac gushes over BVB gem | OneFootball

After Julian Brandt’s departure, the focus at Borussia Dortmund is already shifting to the future. BVB coach Niko Kovac has now brought a highly talented youngster into the conversation as a possible successor.

A new creative player could already be emerging from within Borussia Dortmund’s own ranks. After the 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, the spotlight was not only on Julian Brandt’s farewell, but also on youngster Samuele Inácio. Coach Niko Kovac hinted that the 18-year-old could take on a bigger role in the future.

Brandt was officially bid farewell before the final home match and leaves a major gap behind after seven years at BVB. Kovac then praised the attacking player at the press conference: “Jule had a great seven years here and scored many important goals.” At the same time, however, the Dortmund coach was already speaking about the future – and about Inácio.

The young Italian once again impressed against Frankfurt with a fearless display and scored his first goal in professional football. Kovac was delighted afterward with the talent’s development. “We’re going to have a lot of fun with this boy,” said the BVB coach, adding: “Today, and also in the previous matches, the boy has shown that he wants it, that he works and fights.”

BVB sees great potential in Samuele Inácio

Particularly noteworthy, however, was the 54-year-old’s statement about the teenager’s possible future. “Even if only in quotation marks for now, he could maybe someday become Jule’s replacement,” Kovac explained, while also warning against setting expectations too high. After all, Inácio—who at BVB apparently is on the verge of extending his contract—is only 18 years old and is meant to be developed carefully.

Photo: IMAGO

The club’s management also sees great potential in the young player. Sporting managing director Lars Ricken called it “a sign for the coming season” after Inácio had recently appeared in the starting lineup several times. Sporting director Ole Book also made it clear that the club wants to support the talent’s path: “We will not stand in his way and will give him every chance to earn a good place for himself.”

For Inácio himself, the evening against Frankfurt was a special experience anyway. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. Playing for this club and scoring a goal in front of these fans is a dream for me,” said the attacking player after his first professional goal.

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