
Liverpool
Premier League • England
Liverpool striker target drops telling ‘trust’ hint on future after spectacular showing proves Klopp right

A Borussia Dortmund striker who has made a big impression on Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has delivered a telling hint on whether a move to Anfield is in his future.
Replacing Erling Haaland appeared football’s most difficult job on paper. Yet in typical Borussia Dortmund style, they’ve done their level best to do just that.
The initial expectation was ex-West Ham and Ajax frontman, Sebastien Haller, would fill the void. Haller joined Dortmund for around €31m over the summer, though was cruelly denied the chance to make his debut in Germany.
Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer during pre-season. Mercifully for he and his family, the treatment was successful and Haller returned to training in late-October.
Dortmund moved for veteran striker Anthony Modeste in the aftermath of Haller’s diagnosis. However, the 34-year-old Frenchman’s best days are behind him.
His sub-par displays opened the door for a player exactly half his age to take centre stage.
17-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko has grasped his chance, starting each of Dortmund’s last five Bundesliga matches.
He scored in the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich on October 8, though went one better on Saturday.
Teenage Kicks for @BlackYellow ⚫🟡
Moukoko ⚽⚽
Reyna ⚽#BVBBOC | #Bundesliga | #MD13 pic.twitter.com/bIAZMePLz9— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) November 5, 2022
Moukoko scored a spectacular brace in the 3-0 victory over Bochum. In doing so, the Cameroon-born Germany youth international became the youngest ever player to score 10 Bundesliga goals (17 years and 350 days).
Reports last month claimed Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was blown away by the rising superstar. What’s more, the signs were beginning to point towards a move to Merseyside sooner rather than later.
Moukoko turns 18 on November 20 and Football Insider claimed he is poised to sign with England-based agency, Unique Sports Management. The outlet suggested that was with a view to securing a future move to the Premier League.
Furthermore, Moukoko’s current deal at Dortmund is due to expire next summer. German outlet Bild detailed an internal family dispute that is increasing the likelihood Moukoko refuses to pen an extension.
Liverpool therefore emerged as a viable contender to sign the striker in either January for a cut-price fee, or the summer as a free agent.
However, via Fabrizio Romano, Moukoko has delivered a telling update on his future that doesn’t make great reading for the Reds.
Moukoko hints at 2023 outcome
Following his eye-catching display against Bochum, Moukoko stated he feels at home in Dortmund. Furthermore, he stressed he has the full backing of his current manager.
“I’ve been here at Borussia Dortmund for seven years, I feel at home here,” said Moukoko.
“I know this club very well and the manager [Edin] Terzic trusts me.”
While obviously not conclusive, the comments do suggest he may in fact be open to extending his stay in black and yellow.
Further negative news for Liverpool comes by way of Spanish outlet Sport.
If Moukoko were to leave Dortmund any time soon, Sport suggest Liverpool won’t have a deal all to themselves.
In lieu of Moukoko’s rapid rise, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
The latest from Football Insider also put Man City in the frame.