Borussia Dortmund secure future of academy talent Elias Benkara with new deal
Borussia Dortmund have secured the long-term future of one of their most promising academy products, extending the contract of 18-year-old Elias Benkara until the summer of 2029. The club confirmed the new deal on Thursday, ensuring the Algerian youth international will remain at Signal Iduna Park for the next five seasons.
Benkara, who joined Dortmund's youth setup from Eintracht Frankfurt's academy in 2021, has progressed steadily through the club's ranks. The Frankfurt-born attacker has been a regular for both the under-19 and under-23 sides this season, making a combined 19 appearances across the two teams. His development was further acknowledged in December 2024 when he was named in the first-team squad for a Champions League group stage match against Barcelona, a significant milestone for any young player at the club.
His performances at youth level have also caught the attention of the Algerian Football Federation. According to reports, Benkara received his first senior national team call-up in November of last year, highlighting his rapid ascent. This international recognition, coupled with reported interest from his former club Eintracht Frankfurt, had created some uncertainty around his future, making Dortmund's decisive move to tie him down a clear statement of intent.
Ingo Preuß, the sporting director of Dortmund's U-23 team, emphasized the club's philosophy in announcing the extension. "The contract extension with Elias confirms our approach of promoting talent from our own youth academy," Preuß explained. "We are delighted that he will continue on this path with us." The new long-term contract is a clear reward for Benkara's progress and is designed to shield the club from external interest while providing the player with a stable environment to continue his development.
The extension follows Dortmund's well-established model of investing in and nurturing young talent, a strategy that has produced first-team regulars like Youssoufa Moukoko and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in recent years. For Benkara, the deal offers a clear pathway to challenge for a role in Edin Terzić's senior squad in the coming seasons. His immediate focus will likely remain on consistent performances with the U-23s in the Regionalliga West, with the aim of forcing his way into first-team training and, eventually, matchday plans.
This agreement provides stability for both parties, allowing Dortmund to plan for the future with a highly-rated asset secured, and giving Benkara the time and support needed to make the final step up to Bundesliga football. The club will hope his continued progression can add another homegrown name to their list of successful academy graduates in the years ahead.
