Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač has indicated that 18-year-old forward Samuele Inácio could be the long-term replacement for Julian Brandt, who is set to depart the club as a free agent this summer. Inácio scored his first goal for Dortmund in Friday’s 3-2 Bundesliga victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, making it his third consecutive start for the Black and Yellows. He played in an attacking midfield role alongside Brandt in what proved to be the latter’s final appearance at Signal Iduna Park.
Kovač’s comments came after the match, suggesting the club may not need to actively pursue a direct replacement for the experienced Brandt. “I think we have already seen a small generational change,” Kovač stated, as reported by Bild. “He could perhaps one day become Jule’s replacement. Big shoes to fill, but the youngster is only 18 and Jule is now 30.” The coach’s assessment highlights a belief in Inácio’s potential to step up and fill a crucial role in the Dortmund attack.
Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, echoed Kovač’s sentiment, noting Inácio’s recent run in the starting eleven. “He has started three games in a row and also played through the last two matches,” Ricken said. “We must not unnecessarily place too much burden on him, but of course it is an indication for next season.” Sporting director Ole Book added that the club will provide Inácio with opportunities to establish himself within the squad, stating they “will not block his path.”
Inácio joined Borussia Dortmund’s youth setup and has quickly progressed through the ranks, demonstrating promising attacking qualities. Brandt, a key player for Dortmund in recent seasons, has contributed significantly with goals and assists, making his replacement a significant concern for the club. However, Dortmund appears willing to place faith in Inácio’s development, potentially avoiding the need for a costly transfer. According to reports, Inácio is also nearing an agreement to extend his contract with Dortmund until either 2030 or 2031, further solidifying his future with the club. This commitment from both sides suggests a long-term vision for the young Italian forward within the Dortmund squad, potentially shaping the team’s attacking dynamic for years to come.
