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U.S. men's national team prodigy Mathis Albert is reportedly weighing a departure from Borussia Dortmund in the coming months as he seeks more consistent playing time.
The 17-year-old is eager for regular minutes to fuel his growth at the top level, per Sky Sports Germany. Despite becoming the youngest American to appear in the Bundesliga back in April, Albert has yet to log a single Bundesliga minute this season, with his sole Dortmund appearance coming against fifth-tier HEBC Hamburg in the German Cup.
Albert featured in all four USMNT matches during the September–October international window, etching his name in history as the youngest goalscorer in team history after netting against Chile. That record was broken just one game later when fellow 2009-born talent Cavan Sullivan scored against Mexico.
"Sooner or later, probably sooner, [Albert] will get a lot more minutes here at Borussia Dortmund than perhaps half a year ago," head coach Niko Kovač remarked following the youngster's standout senior international debut.
However, Albert has not seen a single minute of action in the two matches since Dortmund resumed play, fueling his interest in exploring other options.
Three European Giants Circling Albert
According to Sky Sports, Dortmund have already rebuffed clubs looking to lure Albert away from Germany — and these are no ordinary suitors.
The report reveals that Paris Saint-Germain attempted to sign Albert following their historic first-ever Champions League triumph in the summer of 2025.
Last winter, Premier League heavyweights Manchester City and Chelsea were said to be prepared to offer as much as €20 million ($22.4 million) to secure Albert's signature. Dortmund refused to entertain the idea of selling the former LA Galaxy academy product, though that position could shift if Albert pushes for a move.
That said, any transfer to the Premier League could only happen next summer once Albert reaches the age of 18. And despite his limited game time, the teenager remains highly valued within the Dortmund setup.
Borussia Dortmund Chief Speaks on 'Truly Special' Albert
Amid the swirling transfer talk around Albert, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Nils-Ole Book addressed the youngster's situation and confirmed the club has a structured plan in place for his progression.
"We really do see huge potential in Mathis," Book told Sky Sports. "He's got something truly special about him. He's a player who likes to take on opponents boldly in one-on-one situations. It's basically something you can never have enough of, and we certainly don't have too much of it either.
"That's why we're delighted he's part of our team. We have a clear plan for him. I think it's really important to keep improving in every aspect, because at 17, you're certainly not at your peak yet. His chances to play will definitely come, he's got the talent for it. We're looking forward to that time."
Book makes a valid argument. At 17, Albert is not yet at the stage where he should expect a starting role at a club of Dortmund's caliber. A transfer could actually hinder his development, as adapting to a new environment with so little senior experience carries its own risks.
Moreover, while the interest from elite clubs is flattering, securing regular minutes at any of those reported destinations would prove equally difficult.
For the time being, remaining at Dortmund and trusting Book's roadmap may serve his long-term interests best. Should he ultimately decide to leave, joining a less high-profile European club where he can play consistently at a top level might be the smarter path forward.