According to a report from FootballTransfers, on Wednesday October 28, 2024, Chelsea’s interest in Borussia Dortmund teenager Mathis Albert could gain momentum as the 17-year-old searches for regular first-team football.

Albert has enjoyed a rapid rise with the United States, making his senior international debut and briefly becoming the country’s youngest goalscorer. His club season, however, has been far less eventful. Despite being promoted to Dortmund’s first team, he has struggled to earn opportunities under coach Niko Kovač.

Dortmund’s system, which does not rely on traditional wingers, has limited Albert’s role. The club had considered returning to a formation with wide attackers but ultimately stuck with its existing approach after transfer plans changed. With several wide players leaving, Albert was expected to have a chance but so far, that has not translated into regular minutes.

Since completing 90 minutes against lower-league HEBC Hamburg in the DFB-Pokal in September, Albert has played only a brief amount of senior football. He appeared against Union Berlin but was later left out of the squad to face Eintracht Frankfurt, instead featuring for Dortmund’s reserve team.

Kovač has acknowledged that his younger players are currently falling behind more experienced teammates, particularly when matches are close. He also said Dortmund may have leaned too heavily on youth and pointed to the team’s Champions League defeat to Bodø/Glimt as a lesson.

The coach has urged prospects to remain patient and use reserve-team appearances to gain match experience, though he has not promised them more first-team opportunities soon.

That situation may concern Albert, who was reportedly viewed as an important part of Dortmund’s plans this season. Several clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have previously shown interest, with reports suggesting Chelsea and City were prepared to offer up to €20 million.

Dortmund have resisted approaches so far, but Albert’s limited playing time could prompt him to reconsider his future. Chelsea and his other suitors are likely to keep a close eye on how his role develops.