The transfer window has now opened, and the 18-year-old is free to speak with other clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona has joined Manchester United in the chase for Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko.
Moukoko is one of the hottest prospects in the transfer market right now, thanks to his excellent start to the season with Dortmund and his contract situation.
The contract of Moukoko at Signal Iduna Park expires at the end of the current Bundesliga season.
The transfer window has now opened, and the 18-year-old is free to speak with other clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement.
Meanwhile, Dortmund is still trying to persuade the striker to stay by offering him a new contract.
“The footballer has already rejected a contract renewal offer from Dortmund, which included a salary of €6 million per season (the current salary is around €2 million).”
Contract negotiations, however, have not progressed as planned, opening the door for an exit.
Barcelona appeared to be ahead of their rivals in the race for Moukoko, but the Catalans have been dealt a major blow.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, the Red Devils are looking for a new attacker, and Moukoko is one possible candidate.
In fact, the Premier League giants could make a January move for him, with Romano speculating that Dortmund could sell him for €15 million if they cannot reach an agreement with him.
Barcelona, on the other hand, would only consider signing Moukoko as a free agent in the summer.
According to reports, the 18-year-old would prefer a move to Camp Nou, but he will have to turn down offers from Dortmund and England for that to happen. It remains to be seen whether he is willing to do so.
For the time being, Barcelona would like to sign Moukoko to provide cover for Lewandowski, but will have to compete with Manchester United and possibly Chelsea, who have been linked with the striker in the past.