Borussia Dortmund sporting director Ole Book has commented on the transfer rumours surrounding 17-year-old Mathis Albert.
Despite the youngster having played just 92 minutes of first-team football across two appearances, a transfer fee of €20 million has been mooted, while Manchester City have notably been named among his suitors.
However, according to Book, Albert is firmly in Dortmund's long-term plans.
“We have a clear plan for him,” Book told Sky Germany, adding:
“I think it’s really important to keep improving in every aspect, because at 17, you’re definitely not at your peak yet. His opportunities to play will definitely come – he has the talent for it. We’re looking forward to that time.”
Book went on to describe Albert as “a player who loves to take on opponents bravely in one-on-one duels.”
“That’s essentially something you can never have enough of, and we certainly don’t have too much of it either,” he added.
Albert has made one appearance for Dortmund's first team so far this season, playing the full 90 minutes in their 5-0 DFB-Pokal victory over HEBC Hamburg.
The teenager made his debut for the United States during the recent international break, featuring in all four of the team's matches and racking up a goal and an assist.