Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has backed 18-year-old midfielder Samuele Inacio to step into the void left by departing veteran Julian Brandt. After Dortmund's 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, Kovac outlined his vision for a generational shift in midfield, with the Italian teenager positioned as Brandt's potential successor.
Brandt's seven-year tenure at Signal Iduna Park is ending this summer on a free transfer, leaving a significant gap in Dortmund's creative engine. The 30-year-old midfielder has been a cornerstone of the club's attacking play, but his contract will not be renewed. Kovac acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge facing Inacio, telling reporters: "He has big shoes to fill. The youngster is 18 and Jule is now 30. We should give him time. If he stays fit, he will certainly become a good footballer."
Inacio's Rapid Ascent at Dortmund
The Italian playmaker has already made a compelling case for himself after arriving from Atalanta Bergamo's youth academy in 2024. Inacio scored his first Bundesliga goal against Eintracht on Friday, capping a remarkable run of recent form. He has now started the last three consecutive matches and completed full 90-minute displays in his last two outings—an extraordinary progression for an academy prospect.
Kovac lavished praise on Inacio's work rate and intelligence: "He has shown today and in recent games that he wants it, he does it, he gets things done. He fights and works hard off the ball, and he's very good on it—he's already created plenty of chances." Sporting director Lars Ricken echoed the manager's optimism, noting that consecutive starts signal genuine ambitions for the upcoming campaign. "He's started for the third time in a row and has played the full 90 minutes in the last two matches. We mustn't get ahead of ourselves, but of course this is a sign of things to come for the upcoming season."
Contract Extension and Future Prospects
With six first-team appearances already under his belt, Inacio is expected to sign a new contract extension with Dortmund shortly. The Italian U19 international has reportedly caught the attention of elite clubs including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but Dortmund appear determined to develop him in-house. At just 18 years old, Inacio represents both immediate defensive midfield potential and long-term creative ambition for the Bundesliga club.
Brandt's departure marks the end of an era at Dortmund, but Inacio's emergence offers genuine hope for continuity in attacking play. Whether the teenager can truly fill such established shoes remains uncertain, but early signs suggest Kovac has identified a genuine talent capable of handling the pressure. Dortmund's pre-season preparations will prove critical in determining whether Inacio is ready for sustained senior football next term.
