Youssoufa Moukoko is considered one of the greatest German talents at the age of 18. His contract with Borussia Dortmund expires in the summer.Image: IMAGO/Laci Perenyi
Bundesliga
There have been new reports and rumors about Youssoufa Moukoko’s future for weeks. Sometimes an agreement with BVB about an extension seems clear, then the 18-year-old should demand more salary and prefer a free transfer in the summer to Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United or Paris.
How things will continue for the striker from the coming season is currently still uncertain. Now DFB record national player Lothar Matthäus (150 appearances) has commented on the future of Moukoko and given advice to the left foot.
Lothar Matthäus with career tips for Moukoko
In his Sky column, Matthäus suggests that the DFB star “Stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least another two years and not just follow the call of money.” Matthäus then added: “He has recently become a regular player under Terzić, is still very young and has a fantastic future and career ahead of him.”
Lothar Matthäus only moved abroad to Italy at the age of 27. Image: dpa / Paul tines
If Matthäus has his way, Moukoko should stay with BVB because he would get regular Champions League appearances there and could also show himself for the national team. At “21, 22 or 23 years old” Moukoko could “still go abroad”.
At the same time, Matthew also clearly warns: “There are many examples of young players who went to England or other big leagues too early because they couldn’t wait.”
The Sky expert then also names the examples to which he refers. Timo Werner, for example, tried his luck at Chelsea for two years (2020 – 2022), but was unable to assert himself and returned to Leipzig last summer. Christian Pulisic, on the other hand, moved from BVB to Chelsea two and a half years ago, and there are now rumors of a move for him too – there is even talk of a return to Dortmund.
“For young players, Borussia Dortmund is one of the best there is in Europe.”
Lothar Matthäus praises BVB.
Finally, Matthäus cites Ousmane Dembélé. The Frenchman came to Dortmund from Rennes in 2016 and, after an outstanding year, switched to Barcelona for a total of 140 million euros. He had a difficult time there and was unable to assert himself for a long time. In the current season, however, his form curve is pointing upwards again. The now 25-year-old starts 86 percent of the games.
Also, because Matthäus has all these players in mind, he concludes his advice to Moukoko with clear words: “Borussia Dortmund is one of the best things in Europe for young players. That’s why I’d be grateful if I were him, keep pushing, score a lot more goals for BVB and then dare the next adventure.”
With another BVB star, Matthäus’ future prognosis goes in a different direction. The former Bayern professional is certain that Jude Bellingham will leave Dortmund in the summer. “I expect there’s incredible betting between Real Madrid and the big English clubs and then Bellingham can just pick and choose what he wants.”
Max Verstappen has already achieved a lot in his young career. In November, the 25-year-old became Formula 1 World Champion for the second time. In 2015, at the age of just 17, he made his debut with the Alpha Tauri racing team, which was then still called Toro Rosso. Verstappen has been driving for Red Bull since 2016.
