Transfer Centre

Chelsea plotting January move for Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 12 December 2022

Chelsea plotting January move for Youssoufa Moukoko?

Chelsea are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko in the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old forward has established himself as a first-team regular with the Bundesliga outfit this season, recording six goals and six assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Moukoko's impressive form was rewarded with a call-up to the Germany squad for the 2022 World Cup and the teenager became the nation's youngest-ever player when he came off the bench in the closing stages of the 2-1 group-stage loss against Japan.

The BVB wonderkid is set to become one of the most sought-after teenagers when the transfer window reopens in the New Year, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid all battling for his signature.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea are weighing up a potential move for Moukoko and fellow Premier League clubs believe that the Blues' pursuit of the forward is at an advanced stage, although a move is not thought to be close at present.

Youssoufa Moukoko celebrates scoring for Borussia Dortmund on September 17, 2022 © Reuters

The report adds that while Chelsea have already begun the groundwork on a move Moukoko ahead of the summer, they will explore the possibility of signing the teenager in January after Armando Broja picked up a knee injury on Sunday.

Broja was forced off on a stretcher in the 24th minute of the 1-0 mid-season friendly defeat against Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi following an innocuous challenge on Ezri Konsa.

Chelsea are yet to discover the severity of the 21-year-old's injury, but they allegedly fear that he may have sustained an ACL tear and is therefore set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Speaking to reporters after the game, head coach Graham Potter said: "It was an unfortunate action, I think he got caught up with their player and the ground.

"It doesn't look positive at the moment, but it is too early to say. Fingers crossed, but it is an awkward one."

Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko pictured in May 2022 © Reuters

Chelsea could therefore be forced to push forward their plans to recruit a new centre-forward in the winter window, with Moukoko believed to be high on their list of targets.

Moukoko faces an uncertain future at Dortmund as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and he will be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January onwards.

The teenager could be available for a cut-price fee in January, although the forward has suggested that he would be interested in staying put at Dortmund.

Speaking about his future to the German press, via football.london, Moukoko said: "I feel very comfortable in Dortmund, I feel the confidence of the coach. You'll find out in the end whether I decide to stay or not."

Since making his professional debut a day after turning 16 in November last year, Moukoko has made 59 first-team appearances for Dortmund across all competitions scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists.