Chelsea and Barcelona chase Moukoko transfer

Suraj Radia

• 9 Dec 2022 16:31 GMT
• 2 min read

Barcelona and Chelsea are among the sides set to battle it out to sign Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Moukoko has enjoyed a breakout season for the Bundesliga side, grabbing six goals and four assists, and was part of Germany’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, becoming the country’s youngest ever player to feature in the tournament.

The 18-year-old has stalled on signing a new deal at Dortmund, prompting attention from Europe’s top clubs, who are set to approach him in January over a summer move.

REVEALED: Moukoko opens up about contract and 'dream club'

Chelsea and Barca are understood to be stepping up their interest after missing out on Endrick, with the Palmeiras youngster turning down interest from both sides and set to join Real Madrid in 2024.

Dortmund are still hoping to tie Moukoko down to a long-term deal, with the player recently insisting he was happy at the club, although reports in Germany have claimed they would consider selling him in January for €30 million.

Why Barcelona feel they have the advantage for Moukoko

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona believe they could win the race for Moukoko, having opted against signing Endrick to pursue the German.

The report claims Moukoko was chosen because he is more accomplished than Endrick and already adapted to European football, as well as the Brazilian being considered ‘too high of a risk’ due to his €72m price tag.

Moukoko has also been a ‘staunch follower’ of Barca and a huge Lionel Messi fan since his youth, with a move to the Catalans being thought of as a ‘dream come true’ according to the player’s past social media posts.

GOALS: Moukoko's Barca ambition

While there is an admission that it will be difficult to offer greater financial terms than the likes of Chelsea, Barca feel Moukoko will either sign a new deal at Dortmund or prioritise a move to the Camp Nou if he is given ‘sufficient sporting guarantees’.

The only concern for Barca is whether the team needs another young attacker, with some at the club feeling a more senior option would be a better fit for the team.

There is also the possibility of Moukoko signing a new deal with Dortmund, but with a ‘Haaland-style’ release clause, an option that could be likely given the competition for first-team football at Barca.