Dortmund Targets Giovanni Baroni in Youth Revolution

Borussia Dortmund’s youth revolution is gathering pace, and the next target may already be marked on the map.

After securing Justin Lerma (18) from Independiente and Kauã Prates (18) from Cruzeiro, Dortmund are again casting their eye across the Atlantic. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, BVB have entered the race for Argentine attacking midfielder Giovanni Baroni, a 17-year-old talent already drawing serious attention in Europe.

Chelsea and Fiorentina are also monitoring Baroni, but Dortmund’s recent behaviour in the market makes their interest feel anything but casual. The teenager, who holds an Italian passport, reportedly has a €25m release clause. Di Marzio reports that a deal could be struck for around €15m plus bonuses, a figure that would place him firmly in the “strategic investment” bracket rather than a speculative punt.

Dortmund double down on the future

This pursuit fits neatly into a window that has been less about headline-grabbing stars and more about building the next core of the team.

Lerma, signed for around €4m, and Prates, brought in for roughly €7m, were both tied up earlier but only able to join officially once they turned 18. Those deals underlined Dortmund’s willingness to move early in South America, trust their scouting, and wait for the paperwork to catch up.

The club have not limited themselves to attacking flair either. With Ole Book stepping in as sporting director, Dortmund moved decisively to bring in Joane Gadou from RB Salzburg for €19.5m, a sizeable fee that signals clear belief in the defender’s long-term role.

Inside the club, the pathway for young talent is already visible. Samuele Inácio and Luca Reggiani featured prominently in the closing stages of last season, proof that the promises made in negotiations are backed by minutes on the pitch, not just words in a presentation.

Now the question is simple: will Giovanni Baroni be the next teenager to choose Dortmund as his launchpad into the European game?