Borussia Dortmund, never shy of bold moves in the transfer market, have once again turned heads by initiating talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over one of their standout players. The German giants, fresh off a season that highlighted both their promise and their persistent gaps, are eager to strengthen key areas ahead of a Bundesliga campaign that promises to be more competitive than ever. However, standing in their way is French side Lyon, who have their own ambitious plans — especially when it comes to securing one of South America’s most exciting young prospects.
Reports emerging from Germany and England suggest that Dortmund have made initial contact with Brighton regarding their highly-rated midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine World Cup winner, who has been instrumental in Brighton’s transformation into a top-half Premier League side, has long been on the radar of Europe’s elite. Known for his versatility, vision, and technical ability, Mac Allister embodies the type of player Dortmund crave — someone capable of dictating play while adding a spark in the final third.
Brighton, however, are not in a rush to sell. After all, the Seagulls have built their recent success on resisting easy sales and demanding top dollar for their stars. With Mac Allister still under a long-term contract and central to Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, it would take a significant offer for Brighton to even consider letting him go. Yet Dortmund’s track record with developing talent and providing a platform for young players to shine in the Champions League could prove enticing — not just for Mac Allister, but for Brighton too, should the fee align with their valuation.
While the pursuit of Mac Allister is headline-grabbing enough, Dortmund’s ambitions do not stop there. The club is also reported to be pursuing a highly-rated Argentine youngster — a move that has drawn the interest of Lyon as well. Though the player’s name remains under wraps for now, whispers in the corridors of European scouting circles suggest it could be Valentín Barco, the Boca Juniors full-back widely regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest teenage stars.
At just 20, Barco has impressed scouts with his fearless attacking runs, defensive maturity, and composure beyond his years. For Dortmund, whose recruitment strategy has long prioritised youth with high resale value, a move for Barco would fit perfectly. With Raphael Guerreiro having left and their full-back depth thin, a young left-back capable of contributing immediately while growing into a key figure aligns with the club’s blueprint.
However, Lyon’s interest complicates matters. The French side, under new sporting director David Friio, are desperate to reassert themselves in Ligue 1 after several underwhelming seasons. Signing a talent like Barco would be a clear statement of intent — that Lyon are not content to be a mid-table side but want to return to European contention. Unlike Dortmund, Lyon can offer the possibility of more guaranteed first-team minutes from the outset, which could appeal to a player looking to adjust to European football step by step.
For both clubs, the competition over Barco highlights the intensifying battle for South American talent. European teams know the next Enzo Fernández or Julián Álvarez is out there — the challenge is finding him first and convincing him that their project is the most attractive. Dortmund’s reputation here is formidable: Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland all used the club as a springboard to superstardom. Lyon, on the other hand, are eager to reclaim the reputation they once held as a top destination for developing young talent before selling for massive profit.
While Dortmund’s interest in Mac Allister seems more advanced, the fight for Barco — or whoever the mystery Argentine is — could be the bigger long-term coup. If the German side manage to secure both signings, they will have addressed key needs in Marco Rose’s squad while reinforcing the club’s identity as a launchpad for the world’s best young stars.
For Brighton, the potential sale of Mac Allister would be bittersweet. They’ve shown before — with the sales of Ben White, Yves Bissouma, and Moisés Caicedo — that they can lose stars and still grow stronger, thanks to shrewd recruitment and a clear footballing philosophy. Yet, losing Mac Allister would leave a creative void that would demand a smart replacement.
As the transfer window gathers momentum, all eyes will be on how this tug-of-war unfolds. Dortmund have made the first move for Mac Allister and are circling for the Argentine starlet, but Lyon are not backing down. With big money, prestige, and promises of development all on the table, this battle could become one of the summer’s most intriguing subplots — and whichever club emerges victorious may have just secured the foundations for their nex
t big leap forward.
