German wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko is reportedly likely to stay put at Borussia Dortmund, handing Real Madrid a blow in his pursuit.
According to a report by Sky Sport Deutschland, Real Madrid’s hopes of signing Youssoufa Moukoko in the summer transfer window are fading. The 17-year-old German wonderkid will likely remain at Borussia Dortmund heading into the 2022/23 season following Edin Terzic’s return.
Youssoufa Moukoko is one of the most promising young footballers in Europe, making waves at various age-group levels in the last few years. Such was the impact of the teenage prodigy that the Bundesliga altered a long-standing rule to allow him to make an early first-team debut for Borussia Dortmund.
But the 17-year-old is yet to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at the Signal Iduna Park, partly due to Erling Haaland’s presence. But Moukoko barely started games even when Haaland was unavailable, and he garnered only 482 minutes of game-times across 24 outings. The German wonderkid naturally became frustrated with his situation, which captured the attention of Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the rising uncertainties surrounding the futures of Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz. While Jovic could return to Germany, coincidentally by joining Borussia Dortmund, Mariano has emerged on the radars of several clubs across Europe, including former employers Lyon.
Moukoko is thus a viable target for Real Madrid, especially considering Karim Benzema is approaching the final phase of his career. While the French international is in the form of his life, he is well into his thirties, meaning Real Madrid will need to lay down a succession plan for him.
Moukoko might well be Benzema’s long-term successor if he can continue his progress and fulfil his potential. Real Madrid had even been preparing a bid to sign the 17-year-old German wonderkid, but their hopes of landing him will soon end. That is because Moukoko is inclined towards staying put at Borussia Dortmund.
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Now that Edin Terzic has returned to the helm at the Signal Iduna Park, Moukoko is likely to remain at Borussia Dortmund. And with Erling Haaland no longer employed by the Black and Yellows, the 17-year-old will fancy his prospects next season. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to identify an alternative for the youngster, with several other strikers on their radar.
