An intriguing situation is unfolding in Brazil involving one of Borussia Dortmund's most exciting future signings. Young talent Kauã Prates, who is set to join the Bundesliga giants this summer, has found himself completely frozen out of the matchday squad at his current club, Cruzeiro.

According to reports from Sky Germany, the 17-year-old winger has not played a single minute for the Brazilian Serie A side since his €12 million move to Dortmund was officially announced on February 19th. This represents a stark shift from his involvement earlier in the season, where he featured in four out of five matches, even starting three of them.

For Dortmund, a club renowned for developing young stars like Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, this lack of competitive action is a concerning development. Prates is not scheduled to join the squad until after he turns 18 in August, and every missed game is a lost opportunity for crucial development. The club's sporting director, Lars Ricken, had previously raved about their new acquisition, calling him "one of the most talented players in South America" and an "excellent fit" for their project.

The contrast in his treatment is highlighted by his continued importance for the Brazilian U-20 national team, for whom he played a central role in friendlies at the end of March. As the football world watches, the hope will be that this talented youngster can navigate this challenging period and arrive in Westphalia ready to make his mark on one of Europe's most passionate stages.