Borussia Dortmund have tied down their promising defender Filippo Mane, 19, to a new long-term deal, as reported by Ruhr Nachrichten. The Italian youth international signed the contract at the club’s Brackel training ground on Saturday, accompanied by his family, sporting director Sebastian Kehl, and head coach Nuri Sahin.
Mane Joins the Ranks of Dortmund’s Professionals
Mane’s signing makes him the latest young player at Borussia Dortmund to secure a professional contract, following Kjell Wätjen and Cole Campbell in recent months. The agreement signifies Dortmund’s continued investment in their youth setup, which has produced several first-team players over the years.
Negotiations leading up to the deal were not without challenges. Talks between the player’s entourage and the club extended over weeks, with concerns arising after Sahin opted not to rely on Mane even during a defensive shortage. This hesitation briefly cast doubt over the defender’s future at the club.
Italian Clubs Show Interest Amid Uncertainty
Mane’s initial reluctance to commit led to interest from multiple Italian sides eager to bring the young talent back to his home country. However, Mane took his time to assess his options, prioritizing a thorough evaluation of his chances at Dortmund before making a final decision.
Pathway to the First Team
Ruhr Nachrichten further reported that Lars Ricken remains optimistic about Mane’s potential to transition to the senior squad. The defender has been named in Dortmund’s professional lineup on seven occasions this season, suggesting that a debut might not be far off.
The new contract marks the end of uncertainty for Mane and underlines Borussia Dortmund’s confidence in his abilities as he continues his development within the club.
