Borussia Dortmund signs 16‑year‑old Croatian defender Liam Claude Kanté

Borussia Dortmund announced the signing of 16‑year‑old Croatian centre‑back Liam Claude Kanté from NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. The defender, a Croatia U16 international, was pursued by several clubs including Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim before opting for Dortmund. The transfer was completed after FIFA granted the required clearance for a minor.

The club plans to integrate Kanté initially into its U19 squad, allowing him to adapt to German football before a potential promotion to the first team. Youth director Thomas Broich said, "Liam is a defender with a very good sense of the game – he is strong in duels and has the composure on the ball." The signing fits Dortmund’s strategy of securing and developing top young talent early.