Striker Man United watched closely seals surprise transfer after Erling Haaland praise

Manchester United's missed opportunity to sign Youssoufa Moukoko could influence punters, as his recent move to FC Copenhagen for a surprising fee may indicate shifts in the transfer market dynamics and player valuations. With United actively pursuing other talents, bettors might consider the implications of these changes when wagering on Premier League outcomes.

Manchester United have missed out on the chance to sign former target Youssouda Moukoko on the cheap, years after Erling Haaland hailed the Borussia Dortmund striker's prowess on the pitch.

The 20-year-old has been the subject of much transfer speculation over the years, following his Bundesliga debut at the age of 16.

But now, it looks like the youngster will be heading out of Germany and joining FC Copenhagen, in a surprise move for the former wonderkid.

The striker made history in 2020 by becoming the German league's youngest debutant during Dortmund's 5-2 win over Hertha Berlin.

Following the match, Manchester City forward Haaland, who was also with Der BVB at the time, claimed Moukoko was the best youngster he'd ever seen.

He said: "He's the biggest talent in the world right now. I am over 20, I am getting old now!"

This wasn't the first time Haaland had sent some high praise Moukoko's way, as he told the Bundesliga's official website that the young striker was better than he ever was at that age.

He added: "Moukoko is much better than I was at his age.

"The advantage for him is that he's already playing for Dortmund at the age of 15. At his age, I was still playing for my home town of Bryne."

Now, five years on, Moukoko is getting his transfer from the German club - but it is not to the major European giant that many would expect.

In 2022, United were told that they would have to pay £26.2 million to sign the young striker, with interest also coming from Liverpool, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Moukoko's agent, Patrick Williams, told BILD at the time that his client needed more playing time to improve his football and warned Dortmund that his contract expiry wasn't too far off.

Williams said: "It is not a matter of course that Youssoufa is extending BVB. Of course, many clubs are interested in Youssoufa, that's no secret.

"The end of his contract in the summer of 2023 is getting closer, the top clubs have that on the slip.

"Yes, injuries have thrown him back a bit this season. Yes, the competition at BVB is of course great.

"But he hardly gets the playing time that he needs in the current phase of his career in Dortmund. So of course we think about what is best for the future."

However, the details of a transfer to the Red Devils failed to materialise, and now Moukoko is on the verge of joining Copenhagen for a cut price.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 20-year-old will undergo medical tests on Friday ahead of a £4.3 million move to the Superliga.

United may have moved on from Moukoko, but they've been busy themselves in the summer transfer market so far.

Brazilian forward Mattheus Cunha has already put pen to paper on a £62.5 million move from Wolves, joining on a five-year deal with the option of another 12 months included.

Reports also suggest that the club will beat Tottenham to the signing of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, with the 25-year-old on the brink of agreeing a £60 million deal with the Red Devils.

However, boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping for many more incomings to Old Trafford - and outgoings as well - in what is certain to be a busy month or so before the start of the Premier League season.

Youssoufa Moukoko is on the verge of leaving Borussia Dortmund to join FC Copenhagen, but the young striker could've had a plethora of Premier League clubs to choose from

Manchester Evening News