Borussia Dortmund have signed 17-year-old left-back Kauã Prates from Brazilian side Cruzeiro for a reported fee of €7 million. The Bundesliga club confirmed the deal on Thursday, with Prates set to officially join when he turns 18 next month. He will wear the number 36 shirt, and will be listed as “K. Prates” on the back of his jersey.
Prates has already made 18 appearances for Cruzeiro’s first team, debuting for the club at 16 years and eight months old. He featured in both the Brazilian Serie A and the Copa Sudamericana during his time with the Belo Horizonte outfit, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent. He also recently captained Brazil to victory at the U17 South American Championship in 2025, further raising his profile.
The move represents a significant opportunity for Prates to develop within a well-respected European academy. Dortmund have a history of nurturing young talent, particularly from South America, with players like Jude Bellingham and Gio Reyna having flourished under their guidance. The club’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, has prioritised adding youthful potential to the squad, and Prates fits that profile.
Currently, Prates is undergoing rehabilitation for a thigh injury and will continue his recovery with Dortmund’s medical staff. The club anticipates he will be fully fit to integrate into the first-team squad upon his 18th birthday. The number 36 shirt has recently been worn by former Dortmund players Ansgar Knauff and Tom Rothe, both of whom have since moved on.
Cruzeiro will likely view the sale as a substantial financial boost, while also potentially including clauses for future add-ons. For Dortmund, the acquisition of Prates provides competition and long-term potential in the left-back position, offering tactical flexibility for coach Edin Terzić. This transfer could position Dortmund well for continued success in both domestic and European competitions.
