Borussia Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke admits Youssoufa Moukoko may leave the Bundesliga club. But he has not given up on keeping the Newcastle United transfer target.
Moukoko is out of contract at the Westfalenstadion at the end of the season and talks for a new deal remain ongoing. But Watzke states that BVB will not keep the striker at all costs and only if his new contract falls in line with the North Rhine-Westphalia outfit’s structure.
The 18-year-old has gained an important role under Edin Terzic this season following Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City. Moukoko has started eight of BVB’s 15 league fixtures so far this season. He has also come off the bench a further six times and offered six goals.
Newcastle have made Moukoko an offer for his transfer from Borussia Dortmund
No Borussia Dortmund player has scored more Bundesliga goals this term than the six that Moukoko boasts so far. The two-cap Germany talent, who went to the World Cup, has also laid on four assists. He played all six, starting two, of their Champions League Group G ties.
Now, the attacker is keen to see the Westfalenstadion hierarchy reward his rise at the club he joined in 2016. Sport1 reports the former St Pauli prospect rejected BVB’s offer of €3m-a-year (£51k-a/w) plus bonuses. He would have also got a €10m (£9m) signing-on bonus.
Newcastle United have also made Moukoko a contract offer to snub Borussia Dortmund’s and join in a free summer transfer. The Magpies are prepared to pay the teenager €9m-a-year (£153k-a/w). The Toon would even give him a €30m (£26.5m) signing-on bonus, too.
Watzke admits Moukoko could leave the Westfalenstadion as talks continue
Borussia Dortmund remain in contact with Moukoko’s camp over a new contract, though, and hope to make a breakthrough over the coming days following Newcastle stepping up their interest in his transfer. BVB also remain the youngster’s first point of call at present.
Yet BVB sporting director Watzke is firm in that Moukoko’s future could be away from the Westfalenstadion. He has stated categorically that while the striker is right to request the best package he can, it is also the club’s right to walk away if the terms are not reasonable.
“The fact that he is now trying to get a good position for himself is legitimate,” Watzke told Sky Germany. “But it’s just as legitimate that we have our ideas and if that’s not congruent, then the cooperation will just not be continued.
“That is the last consequence which can also happen. But, of course, we hope that he stays with us.”
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