Borussia Dortmund Eye Maxwel Cornet as Potential Ousmane Dembélé Replacement
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly set their sights on Maxwel Cornet as a possible replacement for Ousmane Dembélé, whose departure from the club appears increasingly imminent. According to Reviersport, the Ivorian forward from Olympique Lyonnais is now considered BVB’s top priority should Dembélé complete his expected transfer away from the German club.
Dortmund’s interest in Cornet is not new. The 20-year-old’s combination of speed, versatility, and goal-scoring ability has made him an attractive target for several European clubs. Capable of playing across the front line, Cornet could fit seamlessly into Dortmund’s attacking system, which relies heavily on pace and direct play — qualities the Ivorian possesses in abundance.
However, this potential move is unlikely to please Lyon coach Bruno Genesio, who holds the young forward in high regard. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Genesio expressed both admiration and concern regarding the situation.
“Maxwel Cornet puts in a lot of effort. We are very hard on him. He is only 20 years old and still managed to score 10 goals last season. Maxwel is an important player in the squad. I value him and I like him a lot. If we were to lose him, it would be very difficult for us,” the Lyon coach admitted.
Cornet, who joined Lyon in 2015 from Metz, has developed steadily under Genesio’s guidance. His contribution of 10 goals in all competitions last season highlighted both his progress and his potential to become one of Ligue 1’s standout young attackers. For a club like Dortmund, known for nurturing emerging talents, Cornet appears to fit the mold perfectly.
Yet, Lyon may be reluctant to part with another key player, especially given their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. The French club has already undergone several changes during the summer transfer window, and losing a dynamic attacker like Cornet could destabilize their offensive balance.
As Dortmund prepare for the possible exit of Dembélé — whose transfer saga with Barcelona continues to dominate headlines — the German side is carefully evaluating alternatives. Cornet’s youth, work ethic, and experience at the international level with Ivory Coast make him a strong candidate to fill the void left by one of Europe’s brightest young stars.
While no formal offer has been made public yet, the growing interest from Dortmund suggests that a bid could soon arrive. Whether Lyon are willing to negotiate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bruno Genesio will not easily part ways with his promising forward.
