“Gratitude is not a currency”
BVB boss makes clear announcement in Moukoko poker
1/12/2023 7:21 am
Borussia Dortmund want Youssoufa Moukoko to continue playing for the club – but not at any price. Poker for the 18-year-old’s services is in full swing and will be expensive for the Bundesliga club. But there is a limit, says Managing Director Watzke.
Borussia Dortmund does not want to keep national soccer player Youssoufa Moukoko at any price. He thinks it is legitimate that the 18-year-old is trying to get a good position in the ongoing contract negotiations, said managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke in an interview with the TV channel Sky. “But it’s just as legitimate that we have our ideas, and if that’s not congruent, then the cooperation will not be continued. That’s the ultimate consequence, which can also happen. But of course we hope that he will be with us remains,” said the 63-year-old.
Moukoko’s contract with Dortmund expires next summer. According to media reports, English clubs are said to be interested in the centre-forward, including Premier League third-placed Newcastle United. “I think the whole process is quite normal. The difference is simply that he’s only 18 years old and was already at the World Cup. This of course makes the whole thing even more public,” said Watzke. According to a report in the “Bild” newspaper, BVB should offer a total of around 40 million euros for a four-year contract extension.
Moukoko has been playing for Borussia Dortmund since 2016 and turned professional in 2020. At 16 years and one day, he is the youngest Bundesliga player to date and at 16 years and 23 days also the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history. However, Watzke does not expect gratitude for the years of support. “Gratitude is not a currency in professional football. But I won’t blame anyone for that either, because the business is just the way it is,” said the managing director.