Borussia Dortmund Confirm Signing of Brazilian Left-Back Kauã Prates for Summer 2026

Borussia Dortmund have officially announced the signing of promising Brazilian left-back Kauã Prates, who will join the club from Cruzeiro ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 17-year-old defender is set to complete his transfer in the summer of 2026, with Dortmund securing his services on a contract lasting until June 2031.

Kauã Prates currently plays for Cruzeiro, a well-known club in Brazil, where he has already made notable progress in his young career. Despite his age, Prates has featured in 17 first-team matches and scored once for Cruzeiro, demonstrating his potential at senior level. Additionally, he has represented Brazil at the U-17 level, earning five caps for his country’s youth national team.

The transfer fee agreed between Borussia Dortmund and Cruzeiro is reported to be 7 million euros, with an additional 5 million euros in potential bonuses. This investment reflects Dortmund’s ongoing strategy of identifying and nurturing young talents, particularly from South America, to strengthen their squad over the long term.

Sporting director Lars Ricken expressed his enthusiasm about Prates’ arrival, highlighting the player’s exceptional talent and potential for growth. Ricken described Kauã as one of the most exciting young prospects in South America, emphasizing that his ambition and abilities align well with Borussia Dortmund’s philosophy and future plans.

Before finalizing his contract, Kauã Prates visited Dortmund and witnessed the club’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff. This experience likely provided him with valuable insight into the club’s competitive environment and ambitions at the highest level of European football.

Prates will remain with Cruzeiro until the end of the 2025/26 season, where he is expected to continue gaining first-team experience before making the move to Germany. His arrival at Dortmund will add depth and youthful energy to the left-back position, potentially impacting the squad’s dynamics in the coming seasons.

Looking ahead, Borussia Dortmund will continue to monitor Kauã Prates’ development closely as they prepare for the next transfer window and upcoming fixtures. The club’s focus remains on integrating young talents like Prates to maintain competitive performance domestically and in European competitions.