Borussia Dortmund have a €1.5 million option to make the loan deal of Japanese midfielder Takato Yamamoto permanent, according to Bild. The 18-year-old joined the Bundesliga side on loan from Gamba Osaka and has already made a positive impression during pre-season.
Yamamoto scored in his first appearance for Dortmund, a 3-1 friendly victory over Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, earning praise from manager Niko Kovač. The midfielder was initially expected to feature primarily for Dortmund’s second team, but his early performances suggest a potential pathway to the first team.
Kovač commented after the match against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen that there were “really good things” on display from Yamamoto, adding that he had been “watching very closely” and saw “some things that were genuinely very useful.” The Dortmund manager believes Yamamoto “will bring us a lot of joy.”
Yamamoto progressed through the Gamba Osaka academy, making his professional debut for the club in 2023. He has represented Japan at youth levels, showcasing his potential on the international stage. Dortmund are rebuilding their midfield following the departure of Jude Bellingham and the addition of Yamamoto represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to bring in a promising young talent.
The relatively low option fee reflects Dortmund’s cautious approach to the transfer, allowing them to assess Yamamoto’s development further before committing to a full transfer. If he continues to impress, the move could provide Dortmund with a long-term solution in midfield and offer Yamamoto a platform to develop in one of Europe’s top leagues. This deal could be a significant step in his career and provide valuable depth for Kovač’s squad.
