Dortmund – The way into the Bundesliga is clear for the Dortmund super talent Youssoufa Moukoko. Borussia Dortmund’s efforts to get early permission to play for younger players in the Bundesliga were successful.
The DFL assembly approved by a large majority of the district club’s proposal that a player be allowed to play after the age of 16. “We are very happy about this decision,” said BVB youth coordinator Lars Ricken to the “kicker”.
This means that the 15-year-old Moukoko could already play in the top German division in November. According to the DFL, only “A-juniors of the younger and older age groups and B-juniors of the older age group after reaching the age of 17” have received a game permit. The earliest age is currently 16 years and six months. The youngest Bundesliga player to date is Nuri Sahin (Werder Bremen), who made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in the opening game of the 2005/06 season at the age of 16, eleven months and one day.
With this decision, the DFL is adapting its statutes to the regulations of many other national football leagues in Europe. The change will take effect from the 2020/21 season. “The majority of clubs now want to give young, exceptionally talented players the opportunity to take the next step in their development in absolutely exceptional cases,” commented Ricken.
Moukoko is one of the greatest talents in Germany. In the current season, he scored 34 times for BVB’s U19 in 20 league games and put on nine more goals. The fast attacker celebrates his 16th birthday on November 20.
