Ricken confirms Karetsas transfer: BVB's plan for top talent | OneFootball

After reaching an agreement with KRC Genk, Konstantinos Karetsas is on the verge of a move to Borussia Dortmund. Lars Ricken has now revealed for the first time what role the 18-year-old is expected to play at BVB.

Borussia Dortmund is close to signing Konstantinos Karetsas. Sporting managing director Lars Ricken has now publicly confirmed the impending transfer for the first time and also revealed what role the 18-year-old is expected to take on at BVB.

While the final formalities still need to be completed, there is hardly any doubt in Dortmund that the Greek attacking talent will make the move. “We are firmly expecting that, once we return from Japan, he will hopefully be able to join the team,” Ricken told WAZ. Before that, only the medical examination and the contract signing remain outstanding.

Ricken also made it clear that Karetsas is not being planned solely as a player for the future in Dortmund. “I think we can look forward to a highly talented young player. At the same time, we’re not saying, ‘Okay, this is something purely for the long term.’ He’s a player whose quality means he can make an immediate sporting impact as well.”

BVB boss Lars Ricken praises Konstantinos Karetsas

BVB therefore believe the young Greek is capable of taking on an important role in his very first season. Ricken pointed to his performances in professional football so far: “He has already shown his qualities in the Belgian league. A fine player, technically very good.”

Photo: IMAGO

After Dortmund return from their training camp in Japan, Karetsas is expected to join team training as directly as possible. That would allow the attacking player to be integrated early in pre-season and put himself forward for a place in Niko Kovac’s squad.

Ricken, however, did not want to comment on the ongoing speculation surrounding Said El Mala. As a matter of principle, BVB refrain from speaking about players from other clubs. “From our side, the situation remains that the player is not our player. That is why we will continue not to comment on players from other clubs as long as the contract has not been finalized.”

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