What does the future hold for Youssoufa Moukoko at Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

It has been a rollercoaster of a season for Borussia Dortmund and their striking prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko. While the Black and Yellows did not start the campaign in blistering fashion, the 18-year-old certainly did.

With a phenomenal total of nine-goal contributions from the first 13 matchdays, Moukoko looked to be proving why he has been considered Germany’s future number nine. However, a combination of injuries, inconsistencies and fortune would stall the teenagers’ progress.

Sébastien Haller’s remarkable recovery made it significantly harder for the young striker to find minutes at the Westfalenstadion after January, and this could be the case ahead of next season. So where does his future lie?

A disappointing Under-21 European Championship

When Moukoko was called up to the German side travelling to the tournament, there was great hope that the 18-year-old would put his second half of the season struggles behind him. However, if anything, the opposite would happen.

In the opening game against Israel, Germany would be held to a frustrating 1-1 draw. A result that would be even more bitter for Moukoko, who missed a penalty in the third minute. This lead to Moukoko receiving horrific racial abuse after the game, which would undoubtedly leave his emotions all over the place.

The striker would not feature during the remainder of Germany’s tournament. Sidelined with a muscular complaint, Moukoko would have to watch as his nation were eliminated in the group stages. The same old story that plagued Moukoko during the Rückrunde.

A possible departure?

Having had top European clubs monitoring his development at Dortmund, Moukoko could have placed himself in the shop window with a promising European Championship. However, a disastrous six months has left him in a precarious situation. European’s finest are beginning to overlook a striker that was once, and still is, one of football’s hottest prospects.

It must be highlighted that Moukoko is 18, and seven league goals is nothing to laugh about. It is the same amount as Bayern Munich’s star summer signing Sadio Mané and one more than fellow Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi – who is garnering interest from Real Madrid.

However, Moukoko will struggle with game time next season. Haller is far better suited to the system Dortmund head coach Edin Terzić prefers to play, which has been evident since the 29-year-old returned from his cancer treatment.

If he is to remain in Dortmund, then the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations could be a significant opportunity for Moukoko. Haller could miss a number of games over January and February depending on how far Côte d’Ivoire advance during the tournament. He is BVB’s only recognised number nine in the absence of Haller, and a good run of form could see him challenge the Ivorian when he returns.

However, Bild have reported that Moukoko is no longer an unsaleable asset at the club. After finally tying him down to a long-term contract earlier on in the campaign, the 18-year-old signed a deal until 2026. Nonetheless, if an offer came in this summer, Dortmund would seriously consider offloading Moukoko far earlier than expected.

Nevertheless, this does seem rather unfair on the teenager, who has shown his undeniable quality this season. A disappointing few months should not cast a dreary shadow over what has been a respectable season for Moukoko. Continuing his development at Dortmund would still allow Moukoko to gain first-team minutes next season, but the most extreme alternative should be a possible loan.

Guaranteed minutes at a fellow Bundesliga side would undoubtedly help the striker in his development. Ultimately, there should be no pressure on Moukoko to perform like a seasoned striker, and managing his progress carefully should be Dortmund’s priority.

GGFN | Will Shopland