Borussia Dortmund are executing a high-stakes defensive pivot, with the club's transfer window strategy now focused on two young Portuguese centre-backs: Ibrahima Ba and Bastien Meupiyou. While Niko Kovac recently secured a contract extension with Nico Schlotterbeck, the looming departure of Niklas Süle has created a critical vacancy that demands immediate attention.
Ibrahima Ba: The €25m Stakes
Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol reports that Borussia Dortmund are in advanced talks to sign FC Famalicão defender Ibrahima Ba ahead of next season. The 20-year-old Senegalese centre-back has become a cornerstone for the fifth-placed side, making 26 senior appearances this campaign.
- Performance Metrics: Ba has scored two goals and provided one assist in 19 league appearances since the winter break.
- Key Moment: He scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over CD Nacional in mid-March.
- Contract Status: Ba recently extended his deal with Famalicão until 2030, complicating negotiations.
- Transfer Fee: Famalicão is reportedly demanding €25 million plus bonuses, a figure that could stall the deal.
While Sporting CP are also monitoring Ba, Dortmund's interest is driven by the need for a young, mobile defender who can adapt to their high-intensity pressing system. The club's data suggests they are willing to pay a premium for a player with proven Champions League experience, though the €25m price tag remains a significant hurdle. - afhow
Bastien Meupiyou: The Second Target
Beyond Ba, Dortmund is reportedly eyeing Bastien Meupiyou, a 20-year-old centre-back from CD Alverca. His contract runs until 2028, giving Dortmund flexibility in negotiations.
Meupiyou's profile aligns perfectly with Dortmund's recruitment philosophy: young, technically gifted, and capable of handling high-pressure situations. His inclusion would provide depth behind Schlotterbeck and Süle, ensuring the squad remains competitive even if Süle's free transfer creates a long-term gap.
Kovac's Defensive Strategy
Niko Kovac has admitted to monitoring Aron Anselmino, a former Dortmund youth product currently on loan at Racing Strasbourg. "Sometimes I check how Strasbourg have played or whether he's even featured," Kovac stated ahead of the match against Bayer Leverkusen. "That does pain me, though, that he doesn't play as often as he used to."
This admission reveals a deeper strategic intent: Kovac is looking to re-sign Anselmino or sign a similar profile to replace Süle. The club's record transfers show a preference for young talent, with Bellingham and Hummels being key examples of long-term investments.
BVB's Defensive Transfer History
Historical data reveals Dortmund's pattern of investing in young, high-potential defenders. The table below highlights key transfers that have shaped their defensive stability:
- Ousmane Dembélé (Forward): Signed from Stade Rennes in 2016 for €35.5m.
- Sébastien Haller (Forward): Signed from Ajax Amsterdam in 2022 for €31m.
- Mats Hummels (Defender): Signed from FC Bayern in 2019 for €30.5m.
- Jude Bellingham (Midfielder): Signed from Sunderland FC in 2025 for £27.5m.
- Jude Bellingham (Midfielder): Signed from Birmingham City in 2020 for €30.15m.
While the data shows a preference for forwards and midfielders, the defensive market remains a priority. With Süle's exit imminent, Dortmund is poised to make a decisive move in the coming weeks, with Ba and Meupiyou as the primary targets.