Elias Benkara joins Greuther Furth on season-long loan from Dortmund II

Algerian-German defender Elias Benkara has joined Greuther Furth from Borussia Dortmund II on a season-long loan, becoming the latest young centre-back to move into Germany’s 2. Bundesliga.

The 19-year-old, who plays primarily at centre-back, completed the switch on 28 August 2026. His loan agreement runs until 30 June 2027, with Benkara due to return to Dortmund II at the end of the deal.

Benkara arrives after making two appearances for Dortmund II in the Regionalliga West during the 2026-27 season. He played 102 minutes in total and received one yellow card, while also being part of Dortmund’s squad for the Premier League International Cup.

Born in Frankfurt am Main, Benkara stands 1.93m tall and is right-footed. He developed through the Borussia Dortmund academy after joining from Mainz’s youth system in July 2021, progressing from Dortmund’s youth sides to the under-17 team, then the under-19s and Dortmund II.

His move to Greuther Furth follows a successful spell at youth level. Benkara helped Borussia Dortmund U17 win the German Under-17 Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season and has also won the Premier League International Cup.

The defender’s transfer gives him the opportunity to continue his development at a club competing in the 2. Bundesliga, after spending the opening stage of the campaign with Dortmund II in the Regionalliga West.

Benkara’s market value is listed at €300,000, having risen from €50,000 when he moved from Dortmund U19 to Dortmund II in January 2026. He now joins Greuther Furth on loan until 30 June 2027.