Manchester City are reported to be best placed to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Mathis Albert, but Dortmund have so far rebuffed every approach for him, loan enquiries included. A Premier League restriction on permanent deals until he turns 18 in May adds a timing barrier. According to Eplindex.com.

City lead Albert chase, but Dortmund stance and age rule complicate it

TeamTalk reports that City have already made a formal approach and are the most committed of the clubs interested in the 17-year-old. They are said to be willing to offer “lucrative personal terms to Albert”, and sources indicate City were prepared to meet a valuation in the region of €20million (£16.7m / $22.3m).

The obstacle is Dortmund. The report says the club have rebuffed all approaches so far and continue to insist that Albert is central to their plans. Club figures are described as calm about his pathway, pointing to his long-term contract position and their belief that his minutes will rise as the season goes on.

City are not the only side in the picture. Chelsea’s interest is described as long-standing, and they were also ready to commit a similar fee last winter. Paris Saint-Germain contacted then sporting director Sebastian Kehl in summer 2025, but that enquiry went no further, while Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be monitoring Albert closely.

Timing adds another layer. Premier League rules prevent clubs from signing Albert permanently until he turns 18 in May, and his current contract runs until June next year. Dortmund have prepared an extension offer and continue to present his current role as part of a measured progression plan.

Albert joined Dortmund from the LA Galaxy academy in 2024 and has become one of the youngest Americans to appear in the Bundesliga. He has also scored at senior level for the United States. Limited first-team involvement under Niko Kovač this season has encouraged elite clubs to track his situation.

The report’s verdict is that City are “better placed to secure his signature should Dortmund ever soften their stance”. It adds that if his game time does not increase, the market is likely to become more aggressive next summer. For now, City appear to be at the front of that queue.