Genk's Kos Karetsas Joins Borussia Dortmund for Record Fee

Genk’s latest jewel is heading to Germany, and the deal is big enough to rewrite the club’s record books.

According to Bob Faesen of HLN, Genk and Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement for the transfer of Greek prodigy Kos Karetsas, with the fee set to break Genk’s all-time record for an outgoing player. The exact number remains under wraps, but Genk had been pushing for around €35 million, a figure that underlines just how highly Europe now rates the 18-year-old.

Karetsas is expected to sign a five-year contract and swap Limburg for the Bundesliga, a move he actively pushed for. With several clubs circling, the teenager picked Dortmund as his preferred destination, convinced the club’s track record with young talent offers the best platform for his development.

This is the latest chapter in a story Genk know well. Their academy has become a production line for elite prospects, and Karetsas follows the path of Bilal El Khannous in breaking into the first team as a teenager before attracting heavyweight interest from abroad.

He arrived on the scene early. Karetsas made his debut at just 16 during the 2023/24 season, then exploded into a regular the following year, playing 39 games, scoring three goals and adding three assists. The numbers only grew as Genk’s form dipped.

While the team struggled in the 2025/26 campaign, Karetsas delivered a breakout season of his own. He featured 49 times in all competitions, again scoring three goals but this time supplying 14 assists, a return that showcased his vision, final ball and consistency under pressure.

Dortmund have seen this film before: identify a teenager with high-end potential, give him minutes, then watch his value soar. For Karetsas, the next step is clear. For Genk, the academy conveyor belt has just produced another record-breaking export.