For Youssoufa Moukoko, the year 2022 will be memorable. The breakthrough with the BVB pros, the decisive goal in the derby against FC Schalke 04 and a short assignment at the World Cup in Qatar. Will the 18-year-old continue at this pace in Dortmund? Or will 2023 be the year of returnee Sébastien Haller?
After the first performance tests, Borussia Dortmund will travel to the training camp in Marbella on January 6th. Summer newcomer Sébastien Haller, who recently sent positive signals on social media after his cancer surgery and subsequent chemotherapy, should also be on the plane. He looks ahead and looks forward to seeing the fans back in the stadium “for some wins”.
BVB officials would like similar statements from Youssoufa Moukoko. His working paper expires in the summer, he could then change free of charge. A contract ready to be signed for more years in the black and yellow jersey with an alleged annual salary of up to six million euros is said to be available. But the player hesitates and, according to “Sky” information, should demand an independent “signing fee” of more than ten million euros.
Moukoko has become a regular at BVB
At first glance, it seems understandable that Moukoko and his agent want to get the most out of it. On the other hand, the native of Cameroon has only had regular starting XI appearances for almost half a year. He thanked him for this with six goals and three assists in the current Bundesliga season – this means that Moukoko has been Borussia’s top scorer so far.
But is the youngest World Cup participant in DFB history already at a level that justifies his claims?
First of all, it should be said: The market gives it. And interested parties from England – allegedly in addition to Chelsea FC also Manchester United, Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur – should queue up.
Regardless of what is happening on the market, the 18-year-old has only just made his breakthrough with the BVB pros after waiting for a while. On the big stage of the Champions League, however, Moukoko remained goalless in 241 minutes in 2022/23 and missed all three of his big chances.
BVB desired striker Haller: ten goals in the CL group phase 21/22
Sébastien Haller’s figures read quite differently. It seems like ages ago, but the Ivorian scored an impressive ten goals for Ajax Amsterdam in the 2021/22 Champions League group stage, setting a real scent across Europe. For Borussia he was the “desired striker”, the missing piece of the puzzle.
Although nobody knows whether Haller will find his way back to his old form, at least he is back in the team circle. After the first performance tests, a training plan should be drawn up, but according to the club, a short-term comeback by Haller is ruled out.
However, as soon as BVB’s desired striker is an alternative to Moukoko, the 18-year-old’s regular place could be lost.
Moukoko: “I want to develop further”
A decisive goal in the derby against Schalke 04 – like on the 7th matchday of the current season – is worth a lot to the fans, but Moukoko could just gamble away this credit.
In order to mature into a real superstar, he needs playing time and trust. Moukoko knows that and he emphasized it in an interview with the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” shortly before Christmas. “I want to develop and without games I can’t develop because I don’t want my development to stop again.”
A move abroad to a top club could therefore be too big a step for Moukoko. The youngster currently has everything he needs at BVB: a coach whom he describes as a “father figure”, frenetic fans – and possibly a hefty salary increase.
Lars Wiedemann