Loan from BVB: Moukoko disappoints on debut for Nice

Youssoufa Moukoko saw little chance of playing an important role at Borussia Dortmund this season. After the signing of Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier, the striker would have returned to the third line at BVB. Since Borussia obviously saw it that way too, both sides decided on a transfer.

The 19-year-old, who not so long ago was considered the future promise of German football, left BVB in the summer and went to Nice. Both clubs agreed on a loan deal, and according to media reports, the French club will pay Moukoko’s salary and has secured a purchase option of 17 million euros.

On the fourth matchday of Ligue 1, Moukoko made his debut for Nice in an away match against Olympique Marseille. The two-time international was substituted on in the 68th minute when the score was 0-2. It didn’t take long for Moukoko to be in the spotlight. Ten minutes after being substituted on, he had a huge chance to score a goal. But, completely unmarked, he shot the ball wide of the goal from five meters.

Return to BVB? “I’m thinking about the here and now.”

The score remained 2-0 for Marseille, with goals from Neal Maupay (40th) and Luis Henrique (53rd). After four matchdays, Nice is in the middle of the table with just four points.

“I will help the team.” “I want us to qualify for the Champions League,” said Moukoko at his official presentation in Nice. He does not yet know whether he will return to BVB after this season: “I’ll be completely honest: I’m not thinking about the future, I’m thinking about the here and now.” At the very end of the season we will see where I end up. But right now I’m not worried about whether I’ll return to Borussia Dortmund or stay in Nice.”