Bundesliga club CEO issues update on Barcelona target’s future: “This could happen”

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hanz-Joachim Watzke has claimed that there is a chance that Youssoufa Moukoko could leave the club in the summer amidst interest from Barcelona.

The 18-year-old striker is one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe currently as his contract with the Black and Yellows is set to expire at the end of the season.

Barça are among a host of clubs interested in signing the teenage centre-forward on a Bosman deal in the summer, as a possible backup and long-term heir to Robert Lewandowski.

However, Dortmund are still trying to negotiate a new contract with Moukoko, with talks still ongoing as they look to persuade the youngster to prolong his stay at Signal Iduna Park.

But the negotiations have not gone in the right direction and Watzke has left the door open for the striker’s exit if the two sides fail to come to an agreement.

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the Borussia Dortmund chief said: “If the ideas of both sides are not on the same page, Youssufa won’t continue with us — this is the ultimate stage.”

“This could happen but… of course, we hope that Moukoko stays with us,” he added.

This update will come as music to the ears of Barcelona, who are keen on landing Moukoko.

Reports in the past have suggested that the 18-year-old has a soft spot for the Catalan giants and is likely to pick them in case he does decide to leave Dortmund, even though clubs from the Premier League are lining up to sign him.

However, with Newcastle United recently making contact with the youngster and offering him a massive €9 million per year deal, along with a hefty €30 million joining bonus, Barcelona will have their task cut out to secure Moukoko’s signing.