Borussia Dortmund eye improved bid for Real Madrid defender after having offer rejected ahead of Club World Cup

Dortmund apparently continue to show interest in signing defensive gem Aguado. After an offer of €6 million was reportedly rejected before the Club World Cup, the Black and Yellows are said to be stepping up their efforts to sign the 18-year-old centre-back, according to MARCA.

According to the report, BVB will approach Madrid "in the coming days" with an improved offer for Aguado – and also make the move more appealing to the centre-back with a tempting offer. Unlike Madrid, where Aguado is initially expected to play for the reserve team next season despite his participation in the Club World Cup with the first team, Dortmund are offering the Spaniard a place in the first team and even guaranteed playing time.

Aguado, who can operate both as a centre-back and a left-back, recently signed a long-term contract with Los Blancos until 2029, which reportedly includes a high release clause. For this reason, and because Madrid are keen to keep Aguado, a transfer seems unlikely for the time being.

The 18-year-old made his debut for Real's first team last season under Carlo Ancelotti. He played 90 minutes as a left-sided centre-back alongside fellow academy starlet Raul Asencio in the third round of the Copa del Rey against Deportivo Minera. What's more, Aguado has also been in the squad four times in La Liga, but has not yet played in the Club World Cup and was not even in the squad for Madrid's final group match against Red Bull Salzburg.

Dortmund are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements because defensive stalwart Nico Schlotterbeck will miss much of the first half of next season due to a serious knee injury. Soumaila Coulibaly was brought back early from his loan spell at Brest for the Club World Cup to compensate for the injury-enforced absence of captain Emre Can.

As for Aguado, the teenager is unlikely to receive minutes at the Club World Cup. However, he has been touted as a player with immense potential by those at La Fabrica. Given Xabi Alonso's tendency to nurture youngsters and give them opportunities, there's every chance Aguado could earn a rotational role in the squad. His chances could significantly increase if Real Madrid fail to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica. With Fran Garcia currently the only fit first-team left-back and Ferland Mendy set to miss the first couple of months of the 2025-26 season, Aguado could get a run-in on the left flank.