09 February 2023 , 14:35
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Liverpool may be left regretting their decision to snub a transfer target that Erling Halaand dubbed "one of the biggest talents in the world right now".
The Reds were heavily linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko but opted against trying to sign the young German international in January. Moukoko has long been considered one of the most exciting young prospects in world football and has had plenty of Premier League suitors in his short career.
He first made headlines when he became the youngest ever player to feature in the Bundesliga, at the age of 16 years and one day, back in November 2020. Moukoko has shown plenty of promise and talent since then.
After that historic day of his debut, Moukoko was inundated with praise, some of which came from another superstar who once donned the famous black and yellow Dortmund shirt in Haaland.
The current Manchester City ace said: "I'm really happy for Youssoufa, I'd really like to play with him sometime. I think he's one of the biggest talents in the world right now. He's only 16 years and one day old, and he's playing fantastically. He has a great career ahead of him."
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Haaland doubled down on his initial assessment a year later, adding to Insider: "[Youssoufa] is very powerful and skillful. He is already at one of the top clubs for improving his game. The club gives you a chance to play. It does not matter what age you are."
Liverpool opted against trying to sign Youssoufa Moukoko in January (Martin Meissner/AP/REX/Shutterstock)HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Liverpool have tried harder to sign Moukoko in January? Comment below
It comes as quite the surprise that Liverpool decided to not make more of an attempt to sign Moukoko in light of their interest, especially when the goals have hardly been flying in for the Reds this season.
However, Liverpool did sign an attacker last month in the form of Cody Gakpo. Klopp clearly wanted a goal-getter closer to the finished product than Moukoko and ended up landing the signature of the Netherlands international.
It is a transfer that is already raising eyebrows, with the Reds forking out £35m before add-ons to sign Gakpo who is still awaiting his first Liverpool goal after six games in all competitions for Klopp's side.
Meanwhile, the chance to sign Moukoko appears to have gone after the 18-year-old signed a new contract extension last month at Dortmund.
Those at the top of the Bundesliga outfit's hierarchy view extending Moukoko's stay at Dortmund as a huge success considering the level of clubs that were beginning to circle.
He is now tied to the Signal Iduna Park until the summer of 2026, by which time he will still only be 21 years of age and Liverpool may still be on the lookout for further attacking additions.