Borussia Dortmund are set to announce the signing of Joane Gadou from RB Salzburg on Tuesday, according to reports from Sky Germany and Bild. The 19-year-old centre-back is currently in Germany to finalise the move, which is expected to cost Dortmund €19 million, with a further €4.5 million potentially payable in bonuses.
Gadou, a France U19 international, will sign a contract with the Bundesliga side that runs until 2031. The transfer addresses a future need in Dortmund’s squad, following Niklas Süle’s recent announcement that he will retire at the end of the current season. Süle’s impending departure creates a vacancy that Dortmund are proactively looking to fill with a player of Gadou’s potential.
The defender confirmed his departure from Salzburg with an emotional post on Instagram published overnight. He expressed gratitude to the club, its staff, and his teammates for their support during his time in Austria. Gadou acknowledged the valuable experiences and lessons he gained while with Salzburg, stating they would remain with him throughout his career.
Gadou only joined RB Salzburg from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for a reported fee of €10 million. During his time with the Austrian club, he quickly established himself as a key player, making 58 appearances across all competitions. His performances for Salzburg have attracted the attention of several European clubs, ultimately leading to Dortmund’s successful pursuit.
The move represents a significant step up in Gadou’s career, providing him with the opportunity to play in one of Europe’s top leagues and compete in the Champions League. Dortmund will hope Gadou can seamlessly integrate into their squad and contribute to their ambitions of challenging for domestic and European honours. This signing underlines Dortmund’s commitment to developing young talent and building a competitive team for the future.
