Kenya, June 28 -- FC Copenhagen has officially signed 20-year-old German striker Youssoufa Moukoko from Borussia Dortmund for a permanent transfer fee of €5 million. There are also potential bonuses that could add up to another €7 million, as shared by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Moukoko passed his medical exam, which makes this a fresh start for him. He was once seen as a great talent but had trouble reaching his full potential at Dortmund.
He made headlines as Germany's next big star when he debuted in the Bundesliga at just 16 years and one day in November 2020. Moukoko also became the youngest goalscorer in the league against Union Berlin.
In his youth career, he scored 236 goals for Dortmund's youth team, including 46 goals in just 2019, according to World Football Index.
However, in his senior career, he scored only 18 goals in 99 games for Dortmund. His loan to OGC Nice in the 2024/25 season was also not successful, where he only scored two goals in 22 games.
His market value has dropped from €20 million to €10 million, according to Transfermarkt. This reflects his struggles and a high salary of €8.5 million, along with off-field issues, including questions about his age in a 2024 documentary.
The €5 million deal from Copenhagen, reported by Sky Germany, is considered a good deal for a player who was once valued at €30 million. Dortmund will also receive a percentage if Moukoko is sold in the future.
"Youssoufa is a player with great potential," said Copenhagen's sporting director, Sune Smith-Nielsen. He wants to help Moukoko get back to his best form.
Moukoko, who will wear the No. 9 jersey, shared his mixed feelings: "It's not easy to say goodbye to BVB, but Copenhagen gives me a chance to start fresh with new goals." Dortmund's Lars Ricken praised Moukoko's professionalism and wished him luck in Denmark.
This transfer is more exciting than the interest from clubs like Newcastle United, who recently signed Alfie Hutchison from Rangers.
It also comes as Dortmund are making many changes to their team under coach Niko Kovac, with new signings like goalkeeper Alexander Drewes.
Copenhagen aims to defend its Danish Superliga title and sees Moukoko as an important addition for its UEFA Champions League goals, giving him the playing time he missed at Nice and Dortmund, where he was behind other players.
Some critics worry about his high salary and slow development, with a German outlet noting that Dortmund is relieved to let go of such an expensive contract.
This move agrees with advice from DFB's Rudi Voller, who suggested that Moukoko should join a club where he can play regularly.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.