Borussia Dortmund attacker Youssoufa Moukoko has put an end to speculation surrounding his future by signing a new long-term deal with the Bundesliga giants.
The 18-year-old had entered the final six months of his previous terms with the Black and Yellows and was on course to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Moukoko was believed to have attracted the attention of Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United, while Barcelona were also credited with an interest in the attacker.
Newcastle were reportedly preparing a big-money contract offer for the youngster, who was allegedly stalling over signing a new Dortmund deal over his wage demands.
However, Dortmund were determined to tie Moukoko down to fresh terms, and having been locked in negotiations for a number of months, talks have finally led to a positive solution.
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The Germany international is now contracted to Edin Terzic's side for another three-and-a-half years, and his wages have supposedly risen to £100,000 per week.
"It's no secret that I feel comfortable at BVB. I have played in the youth teams, taken my first steps in professional football here and now I'm ready to take the next step in my development together with the club," Moukoko told the official Dortmund website.
The striker admitted that he was flattered by other clubs' interest in him, though, adding: "I sense the trust of the coaching staff and have an environment here in which I can develop perfectly.
"I have of course been honoured by the interest from other clubs but ultimately it's a decision from the heart. The fans have always supported me, and I want to give them and the club something back too."
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl also insisted that Moukoko's time at the Westfalenstadion was "far from over", adding: "Youssoufa is an extraordinary player whom we have developed ourselves and in whom we see huge potential for further development.
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"I'm therefore happy that we have been able to convince Youssoufa before the start of what will be such an important second half-season for us that he has the best prospects at BVB and that his journey here is far from over.
"It was important for us to be able to complete the negotiations this week so that we all – and also Youssoufa in particular – could start the 2023 football year in peace and fully focused on the sporting challenges ahead."
Moukoko has been a member of Dortmund's setup since leaving St Pauli in 2016, and the teenager became the Bundesliga's youngest-ever player when he made his debut a day after his 16th birthday in November 2020.
Moukoko has since registered 11 goals and eight assists in 59 matches for Dortmund across all tournaments, including six goals and six assists from 22 outings in the current campaign.
The attacker's rapid rise convinced Hansi Flick to include him in Germany's World Cup 2022 squad, although he only played one minute at the tournament as Die Mannschaft exited at the group stage.
Ben Knapton
