Borussia Dortmund in Advanced Talks to Sign Teenage Centre-Back from Rosario Central

BVB Closing In on Rosario Central’s Rising Star Juan Gimenez Amid Summer Restructuring

In what looks to be another strategic investment in youth, Borussia Dortmund are in advanced talks to sign highly-rated teenage centre-back Juan Gimenez from Argentine club Rosario Central. The Bundesliga giants are finalising the details of the deal, which is expected to be worth around €5 million, according to Sky Sport Germany.

This move aligns closely with Borussia Dortmund’s long-term recruitment philosophy, which prioritises the acquisition of young, high-potential players who can develop into elite talents under the club’s nurturing structure. Gimenez, just 19 years old, has already carved out a name for himself in South American football and is being hailed as one of Argentina’s most promising defensive prospects.

Who is Juan Gimenez?

For those not yet familiar with Juan Gimenez, the centre-back has made a solid impact with Rosario Central, where he has been a mainstay in the first team over the past year. He has already made 24 senior appearances, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. A regular in Argentina’s U20 national team setup, Gimenez has earned a reputation for being calm under pressure, strong in duels, and confident on the ball.

Described by Argentine media as a “machine” at the back, the young defender boasts a rare blend of physical power, tactical intelligence, and technical finesse. His passing accuracy, particularly under pressure, has been one of the standout features of his game. He is also adept at reading the game and positioning himself to intercept or block dangerous plays.

Gimenez’s current contract with Rosario runs until the end of 2025, which gives his club some leverage in negotiations. Nevertheless, the German side appears confident that a deal can be reached, with the player reportedly open to a move to Europe.

The Bigger Picture for Borussia Dortmund

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This potential signing would be consistent with Borussia Dortmund’s broader project of squad renewal under head coach Niko Kovac. The club has made no secret of its desire to retool both ends of the pitch this summer following an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.

While Borussia Dortmund are still prioritising additions in attack—having already brought in names like Alex Baena and Johnny Cardoso—defensive depth is a key focus, especially considering recent injuries and the departures of several experienced players.

Gimenez fits Borussia Dortmund’s profile perfectly: young, hungry, and brimming with potential. The club has seen great success in the past with similar signings, such as Mats Hummels, Manuel Akanji, and Dan-Axel Zagadou, who were all developed into key assets before being sold or retained depending on the squad’s evolution.

Why This Deal Makes Sense

For both parties, this move checks many boxes. From Borussia Dortmund’s perspective, the acquisition of Gimenez allows them to plan for the future while also giving Kovac a fresh option to integrate into the rotation this season.

For Gimenez, a switch to Germany provides the perfect platform to develop his game. Borussia Dortmund’s reputation for developing youth talent is well-established, and he’d be joining a club with a strong South American contingent and a history of helping young players make the leap to elite European football.

Rosario Central, meanwhile, benefit from the transfer financially while also being able to demonstrate that their development pipeline can produce Europe-bound players. That visibility is crucial for South American clubs looking to stay relevant on the global stage.

Other Defensive Targets on Borussia Dortmund’s Radar?

Although Gimenez seems to be the primary defensive focus for now, BVB have also been linked with other young defenders around Europe and South America. However, sources close to the club suggest that finalising offensive targets is the top priority before pushing forward decisively with the Gimenez deal.

With players like Facundo Buonanotte also in the mix and rumours of a possible Jadon Sancho return still lingering, it’s clear that Borussia Dortmund’s recruitment drive is far from over. The club is intent on balancing experienced leadership with youth potential, and Gimenez would be a pivotal part of that blueprint moving forward.

What Comes Next?

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All eyes will now be on Borussia Dortmund’s transfer committee as they seek to put the finishing touches on this potential signing. While the move is not yet official, the negotiations are advanced, and there’s optimism that an agreement can be reached before the transfer window closes.

If everything proceeds as expected, Gimenez could be unveiled as a Borussia Dortmund player in the coming weeks, joining a club that continues to build toward a new era under Kovac.

Whether or not he hits the ground running in the Bundesliga remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest that Juan Gimenez is ready for the next big step in his career—and Borussia Dortmund may be the perfect place for that journey to unfold.