Dortmund's formula for success: Another African prospect on the radar
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 16.04.26. | 15:12
With the rumors about Nico Schlotterbeck's imminent departure getting louder, the Bundesliga side has reportedly eyed a perfect replacement for him - a 20-year-old Senegalese centre-back
Over the last decade, Borussia Dortmund have created a strong bond with African football through a number of players from the "mother continent", who shone, made a name for themselves, and left a mark at Signal Iduna Park.
From Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssoufa Moukoko, to Sebastian Haller and the current key first-team players, Ramy Bensebaini and Serhou Guirassy.
The BVB obviously don't want to change their formula for success and have eyed another African jewel, who is supposed to be a direct replacement for Nico Schlotterbeck.
The rumors about the German international's departure are getting louder, even though he's recently signed a new deal. According to BILD, the trick is in a release clause included, which allows the centre-back to join Liverpool, Real Madrid, and one more undisclosed club (Dortmund fans hope it's not Bayern Munich!) in just a few months.
Before and after the BVB's game against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, the crowd at Signal Iduna Park booed Schlotterbeck, suggesting he's on his way out of the club.
Regardless of the outcome of this tricky situation, Niko Kovac's squad needs either a replacement or reinforcement in the back line, and Dortmund's choice is Ibrahima Ba of Famalicao.
According to Portuguese media outlet Maisfutebol, the German side's representatives have already begun initial talks to sign the 20-year-old Senegalese, and the reported fee is €20 million plus €5 million in bonuses.
Borussia Dortmund are stepping up their interest in Ibrahima Ba, even sending a scout to watch him live during Famalicão’s clash with Moreirense.
— UZE Transfer News (@UzeeGisttv) April 15, 2026
Reports say the evaluation was very positive, but signing him won’t come cheap. Famalicão are unlikely to accept anything below… pic.twitter.com/BZnMepeBxY
Ba has been one of the crucial Famalicao players in their excellent Liga Portugal campaign - the popular Vila Nova are currently fifth behind the giants Porto, Sporting, Benfica, and Braga - making 19 appearances and recording a goal and an assist. His deal with the club expires only in 2030, which gives the Portuguese room for negotiating and bargaining.
The gifted central defender made his first football steps in AJEL Rufisque from his homeland, before joining the Portuguese side as a free agent. In the meantime, he spent a season on loan at Valenciennes, but the French apparently did not recognize his talent.
Two years later, he is on the verge of a career-defining move.