Cruzeiro is negotiating a potential sale that could become one of the most significant academy deals the club has made in recent years. Left back Kauã Prates, just 17, has received a €13 million offer from Borussia Dortmund, with €10 million guaranteed and €3 million tied to bonuses. Talks are ongoing and, according to Central da Toca, while there’s no agreement in place yet, the interest is real and persistent. For the club from Minas Gerais, the situation calls for caution, as it involves a young player, early valuation and the challenge of not turning promise into haste.
Kauã can’t be officially transferred abroad yet because of his age. He only turns 18 in August, which pushes any concrete move to the midyear transfer window. Even so, Borussia has moved early, adjusted its figures and kept an open line of communication with Cruzeiro and the player’s representatives.
Kauã Prates draws Borussia Dortmund’s attention for performances and game awareness
Developed through Cruzeiro’s youth ranks, Kauã made his professional debut last year. In 2025, he’s already logged 12 appearances with the first team, a notable number for a left back still in the development phase. In this year’s Campeonato Mineiro, he featured in both matches under head coach Tite, reinforcing the internal view that he’s a reliable option despite his age.
Borussia Dortmund watched Kauã in person in October of last year during a match at Mineirão. From that point on, the club began tracking his progress more closely. The first offer was in the range of €8 million. As talks advanced, the number climbed significantly to its current level, though it still falls short of what Cruzeiro considers ideal.
Cruzeiro tries to avoid a rushed negotiation
Inside Cruzeiro, the approach is pragmatic. The offer is substantial, but the club believes the player could be worth more. People involved in the talks say it’s unlikely an offer above €15 million will arrive in this window, which makes the decision even more delicate. Accepting now guarantees immediate revenue. Holding on means betting on playing time, exposure and potential future appreciation.
The club is also weighing the sporting impact. Kauã has been used regularly, has gradually earned more space and still has room to grow within the roster. At the same time, the front office knows deals of this size don’t come around often for fullbacks so young. Cruzeiro keeps talking, calculating and holding its ground. The final call won’t be simple, but it will reflect how the club plans to balance player development, market realities and competitive ambition moving forward.