Man Utd set to battle Chelsea, Liverpool for record-breaking 18-year-old Dortmund striker
Manchester United have reportedly entered a three-horse race to sign Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko, along with rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.
The 18-year-old became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League history after making his first appearance in the competition two years ago and is widely touted to have huge potential.
Moukoko is also the youngest goal scorer in Bundesliga history and recently became the youngest player to represent Germany at the World Cup.
It’s clear to see why Premier League clubs are queueing up for his signature.
Moukoko has been a regular feature for Dortmund this season, being given the near-impossible task of filling the boots of Erling Haaland.
So far, he has lived up to the task admirably, netting six goals and making four assists in the Bundesliga this season.
Moukoko looks set for the Premier League
Despite being backed by Dortmund manager Edin Terzic, Moukoko is yet to sign a new contract with the club.
With his current deal due to expire at the end of the season, there is growing speculation that the youngster is eyeing a move away from Germany.
According to SportBILD, Liverpool are currently in the lead to sign Moukoko, but the competition from Chelsea and now Manchester United could scupper the Merseyside club’s pursuit.
The German international is valued at around £26m, which given the lack of time remaining on his contract is still quite a high figure.
Liverpool is still the most likely destination for the forward given the link between Dortmund and Jurgen Klopp.
However, if the three British footballing giants enter into a bidding war for Moukoko, it could simply be a case of who offers the most money for the talented youngster.
As for Man Utd, their recent record of signing young players hasn’t really been a success.
Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek have all failed to impress for the Red Devils of late, despite being pricey signings, but Erik ten Hag will be looking to buck the trend with Moukoko.
Ten Hag needs more options for top four push
United are definitely in need of more forward options after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and with the German’s solid scoring record he could potentially go straight into the Red Devil’s starting XI.
Erik ten Hag is also looking at several other options to bolster his squad.
PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo has been heavily linked since the summer, which with the Dutch manager’s ties to the Eredivisie seems to have a decent chance of happening.
Benjamin Pavard is also reportedly frustrated at Bayern Munich and a move to Old Trafford isn’t out of the question.
The right-back could provide some excellent cover and competition for Diogo Dalot, with Aaron Wan Bisakka heading out the door.
Although, the source of Pavard’s frustration at Bayern is that he would prefer to play in a central role, while Ten Hag wants to utilize the Frenchman as a full-back.
United definitely need to add to their squad if they want to challenge for a Champions League spot and Moukoko, along with a couple of other signings, could be a step in the right direction.
Ironically, Moukoko may not be the only wonderkid departing Dortmund for the Premier League in the near future.
