Dortmund face possible loss of young German star Moukoko

BERLIN (AP) — Borussia Dortmund face the possibility of losing one of Europe’s most promising young forwards for free if the club can’t convince Youssoufa Moukoko to sign a new contract.

The 18-year-old German striker’s contract expires at the end of this season and Dortmund are looking to extend his contract but have so far failed to reach an agreement.

“Of course we want to make a decision as soon as possible. It’s important for everyone involved to be clear,” Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehr told the local West German Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper this week.

Since January 1, Moukoko and his agent have been able to negotiate with other clubs without informing them that they have six months left on their contract with Dortmund.

Chelsea and Barcelona are reportedly interested, but there is no doubt that other clubs are also interested.

Moukoko is Dortmund’s all-time Bundesliga goalscorer this season, making 14 appearances and scoring six goals, mostly coming off the bench. He also set four.

Moukoko’s performance earned him a call-up to the World Cup by German coach Hansi Flick.although he made only one late entry into the tournament as the German made another early exit.

The teenager has long been considered one of the most anticipated players in German football. After joining Dortmund at the age of 11 from Hamburg club St. Pauli in 2016, Moukoko quickly rose to fame, scoring goals at will despite playing against older players. Did.

Moukoko was Dortmund’s top scorer for under-15 players when he was just 12, helping the team to the 2017 Regionalliga West title. He played Dortmund’s under-17s the following year, and the next year under-19s when he was still 14.

Moukoko scored so many goals that the Bundesliga had to rewrite the rulebook We will lower the minimum age requirement from 17 to 16 in April 2020.

He officially became the youngest player ever to play in the Bundesliga One day after his 16th birthday, he came on in the final minutes of Dortmund’s 5-2 win at Hertha Berlin on 21 November 2020.

Moukoko becomes the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history He struck hard in a 2–1 defeat at Union Berlin on 18 December 2020.

Despite their scoring feats at lower league levels, Dortmund have consistently tried to keep expectations in check and not put undue pressure on their youngsters when adapting to the Bundesliga.

This season is the first time the Cameroonian-born forward has begun to show that he can also be a force to be reckoned with at the highest level. Dortmund manager Edin Teržić was forced to play Moukoko after Erling Haaland’s transfer to Manchester City in the summer and his replacement Sebastian Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

However, Moukoko is still waiting for his first goal at senior level in European competition.

There is no doubt that other clubs can offer 18-year-olds more money, but Dortmund have shown in the past that they can provide a good environment for young players to develop.

Teammate Jude Bellingham joined the club at the age of 17 and has since become one of the most popular midfielders in the world. Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Gio Reina and Christian Pulisic have made headlines by playing in Dortmund’s black and yellow colors.

“I’ve been here for seven years,” said Moukoko after scoring twice against Bochum in November. “I have earned Edin’s trust. I know the environment and I feel very good here.”

Dortmund fans are watching and waiting.

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