Manchester City Lead the Race for Borussia Dortmund Talent Mathis Albert
Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Mathis Albert, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring the highly rated American prospect.
According to TEAMtalk, City have already submitted a formal offer for the 17-year-old during the summer transfer window and remain prepared to meet Dortmund’s valuation, which is believed to be close to €20 million.
Chelsea are also reportedly willing to pay a similar amount after following Albert’s progress for some time. Arsenal and Liverpool have stepped up their interest more recently, while Paris Saint-Germain made enquiries about the player back in 2025.
Manchester City and Chelsea prepare moves for Albert
City are currently considered the club best positioned to secure Albert’s signature if Dortmund become willing to negotiate. The Premier League champions are reportedly ready to offer attractive personal terms as they look to convince the teenager to continue his development in England.
However, Dortmund have so far rejected several approaches, including loan proposals, and remain determined to keep the youngster as part of their long-term plans.
The German club have also prepared a contract extension for Albert, whose current agreement expires next June. Nevertheless, his limited playing time could become an important factor in determining his future, particularly if he struggles to secure more opportunities in the first team.
There is also a timing complication. Premier League regulations prevent clubs from completing a permanent signing of Albert before he turns 18 in May 2027. Consequently, any potential transfer to England would have to wait until next summer.
Who is Mathis Albert?
Albert is a left-footed attacking talent who joined Borussia Dortmund in 2024 from the LA Galaxy academy. He has since emerged as one of the most promising young American players in European football.
In April 2026, he made history by becoming the youngest American to appear in the Bundesliga. He was just 16 years, 11 months and five days old when he came on during Dortmund’s 4-0 victory over Freiburg, surpassing the previous record held by Gio Reyna.
Albert has also earned international recognition with the United States, scoring goals at youth level as his reputation continues to grow.
His former LA Galaxy academy coach, Sam Al-Basith, has praised his unpredictability, creativity and instinctive approach to the game. Meanwhile, agent Jeevi Rai has described the teenager as “brave”, highlighting his willingness to compete against established professionals.
With several major European clubs keeping tabs on his development, Dortmund face an important decision over one of their most highly rated young prospects. Manchester City are pushing to bring him to England, but the German club still have a contract extension in mind and no immediate intention of letting him go.
