The American prospect has attracted growing attention after making his senior international debut for the United States in October. He scored his first international goal during the recent break, prompting a surge of interest from media outlets in his homeland.
His standing at Dortmund, however, is more complicated. The Bundesliga club believe in Albert's potential, but he has so far received few opportunities with the first team and has yet to establish himself as a regular option for head coach Niko Kovač.
Albert has appeared in the senior side in the DFB-Pokal, but his Bundesliga involvement remains limited. That gap between his international profile and his club minutes is likely to become an important consideration as Dortmund plan his development.
Manchester City's reported interest is not new. The English club have been tracking the teenager for some time, and the German report suggests they could be willing to commit a substantial fee. There is, however, no confirmed formal offer at this stage.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with Albert. Reports have suggested that clubs were prepared to pay between €15 million and €20 million during the previous winter, while City's latest interest could bring renewed pressure on Dortmund to clarify their plans.
The situation presents a familiar challenge for the German club. Dortmund have developed several promising young players in recent years, but not every academy prospect has been able to turn potential into a sustained first-team career. Players such as Paris Brunner, Cole Campbell, Almugera Kabar and Julien Duranville have faced difficulties securing consistent opportunities at senior level.
That does not mean Albert will follow the same path. His development remains at an early stage, and regular involvement with Dortmund's first team could give him the platform he needs. But the club must balance patience with the possibility that elite European sides will offer the teenager an alternative route.
His contract situation adds urgency. Albert's current deal is reported to run until the summer of 2027, although German reports have suggested that a longer-term agreement may already have been discussed and could take effect later.
City may also have to consider the restrictions on signing overseas players under the age of 18, meaning an immediate move directly to England would not be straightforward.
Dortmund's immediate priority is to provide a convincing sporting pathway. If Albert sees a realistic route to regular senior football, the club will have a stronger argument for keeping him. If his opportunities remain limited, interest from major European teams could become increasingly difficult to dismiss.