Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac has delivered a clear message to striker Fabio Silva about his role in the team. Silva had publicly expressed his desire for more playing time from the start, but Kovac unequivocally named Serhou Guirassy as the first-choice attacker. This was reported by SPOX. The situation is intensifying just one day before the Bundesliga opener against Hamburger SV, with the Black and Yellows entering the season as last year's runners-up with 73 points.
Kovac was responding to comments from the 24-year-old Portuguese forward. "I naturally want to start more games and help the team. I want to be even more important," Fabio Silva had said. In the Supercup against FC Bayern Munich, which Dortmund lost 2-1, Silva came off the bench and scored his team's only goal. Kovac countered: "Serhou Guirassy is our number one, Fabio Silva is the challenger." This clear hierarchy could have consequences, as reports suggest Silva is considering a transfer.
What is Fabio Silva's future at Dortmund?
Transfer rumours surrounding Fabio Silva are gaining momentum. Clubs from Spain and the Netherlands are said to have expressed interest in the forward, with Spanish side Real Betis specifically named as a suitor. The likelihood of a move before the deadline is described as a '50/50' decision. Silva joined Borussia Dortmund in summer 2025 for a transfer fee of 22 million euros from Wolverhampton Wanderers. In his first season, he made 39 appearances, played 1,181 minutes, and scored three goals with seven assists. These statistics apparently weren't enough to secure a regular starting spot. The pressure is on, as the team aims to reduce the 16-point gap to Bayern Munich from last season.
What is the squad situation ahead of the season opener?
Aside from the unrest surrounding Fabio Silva, an injury in defence is causing concern. Defender Ramy Bensebaini, 31, suffered a blow to his liver and ribs in the Supercup. In the same match, he saw a red card in the 90th minute for a foul on Bayern new signing Ismael Saibari. The DFB sports court suspended him for two DFB-Pokal matches. His availability for the Bundesliga opening game on August 29th against 13th-placed HSV is therefore in doubt. Coach Kovac may have to reshuffle his plans, disrupting preparations for the important season start. The current squad situation can be viewed on our squad page.
Which youth talent stood out?
On a positive note, Borussia Dortmund's U19 team reported a 4-1 victory in the Premier League International Cup against FC Fulham. After conceding an early goal in the 5th minute, the team turned the match around. Goals were scored by Fadi Zarqelain, Mathis Albert, Justin Lerma, and Jesper Verlaat. Justin Lerma, a new signing, particularly caught the eye. The 18-year-old, who was signed for four million euros in May 2024 but could only officially join the club after his 18th birthday in May 2026, contributed a goal and an assist. His contract runs until 2027. However, Lerma had to be substituted in the 57th minute with a thigh problem. The severity of the injury is still unknown. Internally, there had already been considerations about a loan move for the major talent, who debuted in the Ecuadorian first division at age 15 and won the championship in 2025 as a regular starter at 17.
The coming days will show whether Fabio Silva remains in the Borussia Dortmund squad or if the club becomes active in the transfer market. The sporting leadership is under pressure to optimally prepare the team for the new season, in which they aim to build on the strong record of 70 goals scored and only 34 conceded. All upcoming fixtures, starting with the home game against Hamburg, can be found on our fixtures overview. The current league table can be followed on the standings page.
