Erling Haaland has made his decision. The Borussia Dortmund star has chosen to move to Manchester City instead of Real Madrid, which is a decision that seems to be mutual, in some respects. Haaland was worried about having to fight for minutes, since current Madrid striker Karim Benzema is the best player in the world. Meanwhile, Real can sign Haaland in a few years and use that money on, say, Aurelien Tchouameni this summer instead.
But let’s say Haaland decides not to go to Madrid in a few years. Los Blancos must come up with a list of alternatives at the position, scouting long-term targets at the striker position who have the talent to become one of the world’s best. There is no point in going for players who are merely “good”, because this is Real Madrid.
There are many options, and one of them could replace Haaland at Dortmund. Karim Adeyemi comes to mind, having just signed from RB Salzburg after once receiving interest from Madrid. But there is a homegrown Dortmund striker also worth watching closely, even if he has become something of a forgotten man to the mainstream amidst injuries, Haaland’s presence, and, yes, Marco Rose’s perplexing stubbornness (Reinier can sympathize, I am sure).
According to a report from MARCA’s Jose Felix Diaz, Real Madrid are showing interest in Dortmund’s 17-year-old sensational Youssoufa Moukoko.
Buying Youssoufa Moukoko could be complicated for Real Madrid
The youngest goal-scorer in Bundesliga history and the youngest player to make an appearance in Champions League history, Moukoko is the definition of a top prospect. We are talking about a player who scored 141 goals in 88 games for the U-17 and U-19 sides…well before he even turned 17!
Yes, injuries are a concern, and, yes, it is also a concern that he has played so little this season. But given how poorly Dortmund have played and their organizational issues lately, I would not take that aspect of Moukoko’s situation at face value.
Moukoko could be sold this summer. Dortmund is interested in having a buy-back, which is smart, but if Real Madrid come knocking, there is no way they can keep that part of the deal.
Of course, Moukoko would not be able to play for Madrid immediately. If they want him long-term, they could sign him now that he is available and loan him somewhere. But there’s no assurance that arrangement would work out either. Look at what has happened to Reinier.
Another scenario is for Real to let Dortmund sell him, and if he does great, have a deal in place so that Dortmund can buy him back and then immediately sell him to Madrid at an additional profit. Real’s relationship with BVB is excellent, so they should be able to arrange something if, in the future, Moukoko becomes their top target.
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It is messy. Moukoko is not someone who should be a priority target for Real Madrid in a few years, but he should absolutely join the likes of Adeyemi, Endrick, Hugo Ekitike, Amine Gouiri, and, of course, Haaland as future Benzema replacements. Haaland would top the list, but it is always wise to watch the others, including Moukoko. He should not be totally forgotten by world football fans.