Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko
According to the cover page of SPORT on December 27, Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko has made it a priority to secure a transfer to FC Barcelona.
The teenage striker is in the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga giants and is being pursued by several clubs, including the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
At the same time, Dortmund themselves are trying to persuade the 18-year-old to remain at Signal Iduna Park beyond the ongoing campaign.
However, talks between Moukoko and Dortmund seem to have not gone according to plan as the report indicates that the German international has rejected the latest contract proposal put forth by the Black and Yellows.
Set to become a free agent on June 30, Moukoko will be able to speak to foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement starting in January.
Barcelona are understood to have been working on a deal for Moukoko for months together already. Given the club’s financial situation, they are once again looking to enter the free-agent pool to strengthen the ranks.
Moukoko, given his age, potential and contract situation, has emerged as the ideal target for the Blaugrana. And, as per the report, the 18-year-old also seems to be prioritising a transfer to Spotify Camp Nou.
But, the young striker’s €7 million per year wage demands could become a stumbling block considering Barça’s Financial Fair Play problems.
Furthermore, with the Premier League clubs willing to sign him for a fee in January, Moukoko will have to turn down those approaches to wait for Barcelona until the summer as the Catalans will only go for him if he is available for free.
Moukoko has bagged six goals and four assists in 14 Bundesliga matches this season. At 18, he is one of the hottest young talents in the German top flight. And his potential signing will be a great move for Barcelona as he can be the cover and eventual replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
[Source: barcauniversal.com]