Dortmund boss Ole Book confirms clear plan for 17-year-old Mathis Albert amid Manchester City links

Dortmund boss reaffirms faith in teenage USA star

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Ole Book has moved to quash speculation over the future of 17-year-old forward Mathis Albert, insisting the United States international is firmly part of the club's long-term planning despite reported interest from Manchester City.

Albert, who has featured for just 92 minutes of first-team football across two appearances, has nevertheless been the subject of a reported €20 million valuation, with Manchester City among the clubs linked to the teenager. City had previously made an approach to sign the USA forward from Dortmund in the summer, according to reporting from October 11.

Book, however, was unequivocal about the youngster's standing at the club. "We have a clear plan for him," Book told Sky Germany. "I think it's really important to keep improving in every aspect, because at 17, you're definitely not at your peak yet. His opportunities to play will definitely come – he has the talent for it. We're looking forward to that time."

The sporting director also lavished praise on Albert's playing style, describing him as "a player who loves to take on opponents bravely in one-on-one duels." Book added: "That's essentially something you can never have enough of, and we certainly don't have too much of it either."

This season, Albert has made one appearance for Dortmund's first team, playing the full 90 minutes in their 5-0 DFB-Pokal victory over HEBC Hamburg. The teenager also made his debut for the United States during the recent international break, featuring in all four of the team's matches and recording a goal and an assist.