Dortmund win race to sign Croatian-Malian midfielder Liam Claude Kante

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly won the race to sign highly rated teenage defender Liam Claude Kanté, beating competition from several top European clubs.

According to Ruhr Nachrichten, the 15-year-old, who will turn 16 in June, is set to join Dortmund from NK Lokomotiva Zagreb after attracting strong interest across the continent. Among the clubs monitoring his development were FC Bayern Munich, TSG Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, as well as several unnamed Italian sides.

Standing at an imposing 1.90 metres, Kanté is already physically ahead of many players in his age group. The left-footed centre-back, who also has French heritage, currently features for Lokomotiva Zagreb’s U17 side and is regarded as one of the most promising defensive prospects in his category.

His growing reputation has already extended to the international stage, with Kanté making his debut for the Croatia U16 national team in October last year. He has since gained valuable experience in matches against Slovenia, further underlining his rapid development.

While Dortmund have yet to confirm how they plan to integrate him into their system, early expectations suggest he will initially join the club’s youth structure, likely progressing through the U16, U19, or U23 teams before any potential step up to the senior squad.

The move continues Dortmund’s long-standing strategy of identifying and developing elite young talent before they reach full professional maturity.