Janusz Michallik says ‘I can see it’ regarding Youssoufa Moukoko securing a possible move to Newcastle United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, as he told ESPN.
The former USA international added that Moukoko is ‘very talented’ and, after initially taking time to settle in at Dortmund, he thinks the sought-after striker is now thriving.
The 18-year-old is out-of-contract at Dortmund in the summer and it seems as though he won’t be signing a new deal and will, as a result, move to another club for nothing.
Given the hype around the player, whoever will be able to sign the player will get someone that could prove to be a massive asset in years to come.
Well, it seems as though Newcastle United are the ones who could win the race for his signature, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they do because their recruitment since PIF took charge and Eddie Howe came in has been outstanding.
Michallik was asked about Moukoko’s possible move to St James’ Park and how the journey, early on in his career, hasn’t been all smooth.
“Yes, (I could see him coming to the Premier League),” said Michallik. “I still need to see more. He is still young and we initially saw when he started playing for Borussia Dortmund, it wasn’t that easy, right?!
“He kind of went to the bench and then he emerged just before the World Cup we saw the quality there. He was simply getting chances. Haaland has left. There have been a lot of injuries at Dortmund as well, so he consistently gets opportunities there.
“The key thing is that he’s very young. He’s very talented. But most importantly, he is free. Or he will be free in the summer.
“I think, for Newcastle United, whilst they try to rebuild, why not?! Eddie Howe has done a tremendous job of improving the players he has. The way Newcastle have gone about their season and their transfer policy has been wonderful. They don’t buy players for the sake of buying players, even though they have money.
“I can see it. Is he the sort of player that will come into the Premier League and light it on fire immediately? I am not convinced just yet. He’s going to need time, not that I have doubts, but just enough to think ‘yeah, longer-term project’.”
NEWCASTLE GOING STRONG, ON AND OFF THE PITCH
From sitting in the Champions League places to transfers such as Sven Botman working wonders and players like Miguel Almiron, who were previously struggling, now thriving.
Whilst the Toon Army faithful were excited by this journey when it first started over a year ago, even if they had decided to write a Hollywood script beforehand, they wouldn’t have imagined for it to be this good.
It could even get better because they could secure Champions League football, but most importantly, win a much-needed trophy as they are three games away from winning the League Cup.
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