Borussia Dortmund snapped up one of Europe's leading prospects, Ethan Nwaneri, on transfer deadline day earlier this week.
Arranged as a straight loan without an option to be made permanent, the transfer provides Borussia Dortmund with much-needed attacking reinforcement after the long-term injury to Giannis Konstantelias.
Kovac hailed Nwaneri for his physical and technical quality, pointing out that the 19-year-old is ready to contribute straight away.
What Did Niko Kovac Say About Ethan Nwaneri?
Speaking to reporters ahead of their Bundesliga game against TSG Hoffenheim, Kovac was asked about the teenage Arsenal man.
He responded with gusto, explaining that Nwaneri's fitness means that he can be thrown straight into action without any problems.
"A player who is fit. He could play straight away. An England Under-21 international with excellent technical skills. We saw that straight away in training," he said.
The former Bayern Munich boss has a track record of trusting young players at Borussia Dortmund, with the likes of Joane Gadou, Konstantinos Karetsas, Mathis Albert, and Jobe Bellingham among their regulars this season.
Replacing Konstantelias: Why Dortmund Moved Rapidly on Deadline Day
Borussia Dortmund decided to move quickly to secure the signing of Ethan Nwaneri on transfer deadline day, following an injury to Giannis Konstantelias.
The Greek attacking midfielder joined the club this summer from PAOK and scored on his Bundesliga debut before he was forced off with a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
Nwaneri operates between the number 10 position behind the striker and right half-space, and can play as an inverted winger.
The youngster offers BVB an option in attacking midfield capable of unlocking low defensive blocks with his quality shooting technique from range.
He chose Dortmund to secure top-tier European minutes and continue his physical growth after a disappointing spell on loan at Olympique Marseille earlier this year.
The Jobe Bellingham Connection and Arsenal’s Recall Safeguard
Ethan Nwaneri was not keen on a loan move outside of the Premier League after his distasteful spell in France in the second half of the 2025-26 season.
Borussia Dortmund identified him as a target to replace the injured Konstantelias, and designated Jobe Bellingham to convince him to join them.
Bellingham got to work on his England U-21 teammate, encouraging him to take the leap and join BVB on deadline day.
While Borussia Dortmund secured one of England's top prospects, Arsenal also ensured that their interest were protected in the deal.
The package includes a recall clause which could be activated from January 1, 2027, with the club keen to protect their prized youngster.
Nwaneri remains contracted to his boyhood club until 2030, and will hope to find his way back into Mikel Arteta's plans before long.
