Liverpool have been backed to “blow Chelsea away” in January and sign Borussia Dortmund teenager Youssoufa Moukoko ahead of the end of his contract in 2023.
The 18-year-old has made a name for himself this season as he has attempted to fill the void left by Erling Haaland.
This was never going to be an easy task but the youngster has been in great form for the Bundesliga outfit this season.
The striker has grabbed six goals and six assists in the German league in 22 appearances after he was previously just a bit-part player for Dortmund.
Unsurprisingly, this form has alerted clubs across Europe. Dortmund would not be too deterred by this if Moukoko had a long time running on his contract, but his current deal is set to expire next year.
Clubs in the Premier League are understood to be interested in him. Back in October, it was claimed that Liverpool were ‘keen to lure’ him to Anfield.
Chelsea have since joined the race to sign Moukoko and David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that the Londoners are now in ‘advanced’ talks to secure his services.
‘A move to Chelsea is certainly not done but other Premier League clubs are under the impression it is advanced and are watching closely, given it may have implications for the availability of Armando Broja, who was taken off the field on a stretcher during a friendly against Aston Villa in Dubai on Sunday.
‘Moukoko is set to be out of contract at Dortmund at the end of this season and there is a school of thought that Chelsea are doing the groundwork for a summer deal ahead of time, but may find a way to bring him to west London next month.’
Ex-Premier League striker Noel Whelan does not think Chelsea should get too excited yet though as he reckons Liverpool “could be the ones who blow Chelsea away”.
“You can see why there is so much interest in a player like this from the Premier League giants,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“He’s already a key player for Dortmund, a huge club themselves, and he’s only just turned 18. That tells you he’s something special.
“Chelsea are investing massively under their new ownership and are blowing everyone out of the water. But don’t underestimate what a huge attraction Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are for players coming from the Bundesliga. They could be the ones who blow Chelsea away.
“Roberto Firmino is out of contract at the end of the season and, even if he signs an extension, he will need to be replaced in the next year or two. So, I can see why Liverpool are pushing on this one.”
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