Kos Karetsas Joins Borussia Dortmund in Record Transfer
Genk’s next jewel is heading to Germany. And this time, the fee will rewrite the club’s record books.
According to Bob Faesen of HLN, Genk and Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement over the transfer of Greek prodigy Kos Karetsas, with the 18-year-old set for a move that will become the most expensive outgoing deal in Genk’s history. The exact figure remains under wraps, but Genk had been pushing for around €35m, a benchmark that underlines just how highly they rate the teenager.
What is clear: Dortmund are ready to back their conviction with serious money, and Karetsas is ready to bet his future on them.
From Genk’s academy to Europe’s spotlight
Genk’s academy has long been a production line for elite talent, and Karetsas is the latest to roll off that conveyor belt. He followed the path of Bilal El Khannous, forcing his way from the youth ranks into the first team while still a teenager.
He made his debut at just 16 during the 2023/2024 season, a brief glimpse of what was coming. The following campaign he became a regular, featuring in 39 matches, scoring three goals and adding three assists. Those numbers hinted at promise; the next season confirmed it.
During a turbulent 2025/2026 campaign for Genk, Karetsas delivered a breakout year. While the team struggled, the young Greek found another gear. He played 49 games in all competitions, again scoring three goals but this time exploding as a creator with 14 assists. In a side searching for answers, he became one of the few constants.
That kind of output, at that age, in a team under pressure, tends to attract attention. It did.
Why Dortmund, and why now
Karetsas had options. Several clubs tracked his progress, but he made it clear he wanted Borussia Dortmund above all others. For him, the equation was simple: development.
Few clubs in Europe can sell a clearer pathway from promising teenager to established star than Dortmund. From the Westfalenstadion stands to the training pitches at Brackel, the message is consistent — young players play, and they grow.
Karetsas is now expected to sign a five-year contract and move to the Bundesliga, a long-term commitment that suits both sides. Dortmund secure a creative midfielder with years of upside; the player gets a platform that has launched careers across the continent.
Genk, meanwhile, lose another homegrown gem but gain a record-breaking fee and another powerful advert for their academy. For a club built on scouting and development, this is both a sporting loss and a validation of their model.
The question now is not whether Kos Karetsas is ready for the step up. It’s how quickly he can turn potential into production in front of the Yellow Wall.
