Borussia Dortmund made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Philadelphia Union teenager Malik Jakupovic during the summer transfer window, according to MLS insider José Roberto Nuñez.
Writing for PhillyVoice, Nuñez reported that Dortmund submitted an offer for the 17-year-old striker, only for Philadelphia to turn it down.
The Union have strong reasons for keeping hold of Jakupovic. The teenager signed his first professional Homegrown contract with the club in April, committing himself to Philadelphia through the 2029-30 season with an option for another year.
Jakupovic has already been introduced to first-team football despite his age. He made his MLS debut against Chicago Fire in March and has subsequently continued to receive opportunities with the senior side. Philadelphia list him as a 6ft 3in forward.
His youth international record is even more striking.
Jakupovic has represented the United States at Under-16 and Under-17 level and was part of the side that qualified for the Under-17 World Cup. Philadelphia's official profile records 12 goals from his first seven appearances for the US Under-17s.
The striker is also eligible to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina, giving him another international option as his senior career develops.
Dortmund's interest fits a long-established strategy of identifying high-potential young players before their value rises. Jakupovic has already attracted attention in Europe despite having only recently broken into the professional game.
Philadelphia have also demonstrated that they are prepared to give their academy graduates a pathway into the first team. Jakupovic came through the Union's youth system after joining the academy in 2023 and progressed through the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-18 levels before moving into Union II.
The club's decision to reject Dortmund's approach means his development will continue in familiar surroundings for now.
For Dortmund, the failed bid is another indication that the Bundesliga club is tracking young talent beyond the traditional European markets. Jakupovic's combination of size, goalscoring numbers and early first-team exposure has now brought him onto the radar of one of Germany's leading development clubs.