Rumors of early loan recall for Mikey Moore appear unfounded
Cologne have no intention of ending Mikey Moore’s season-long loan in January, according to GEISSBLOG, despite reports suggesting the Tottenham teenager could return to North London early.
Bundesliga · Transfer news
TEAMtalk recently suggested that Tottenham were considering recalling the 19-year-old during the winter transfer window, with Cologne reportedly open to cutting the agreement short. Cologne-based publication GEISSBLOG disputes that account, reporting that the club’s sporting management still believes Moore can become an important attacking contributor over the remainder of the season.
Moore arrived last summer after a prolonged transfer pursuit. The highly regarded Tottenham academy graduate came with considerable expectations, but his performances have yet to deliver the attacking returns anticipated by either club. Even so, Cologne have no current plans to abandon the arrangement.
Backing remains despite a difficult start
8
Bundesliga appearances
0
Goals
0
Assists
As Get German Football News reported ahead of Cologne’s recent Bundesliga derby against Bayer Leverkusen, inconsistent performances, tactical considerations and workload management had already contributed to several spells on the substitutes’ bench.
Head coach René Wagner gave Moore another starting opportunity against Leverkusen, but the youngster struggled to make an impact in the 2-1 defeat. His performance again drew criticism for offering considerable effort with limited attacking effectiveness.
Without a goal or assist after eight league appearances, Moore faces questions over whether he can consistently justify a starting place. Sporting director Thomas Kessler, however, continues to see value in his contribution.
“Mikey is important for us in progressing the ball. He has plenty of situations in which he beats his man and helps us reach the final third. He’s still a bit unfortunate there, but we’re nevertheless very happy to have him with us.”
Wagner has also urged Moore to retain his confidence: “He needs to keep being brave and getting into those situations,” the coach said. “Then he’ll get his reward.”
Limited options for another loan
GEISSBLOG also points to a practical obstacle to any alternative loan move. Moore has already played competitively for Tottenham and Cologne this season. According to the publication, FIFA’s restrictions on appearances for multiple clubs would prevent him from representing a third team during the same campaign.
A return to Rangers, where he spent last season on loan, would therefore not be a straightforward option. Subject to the applicable regulations, his playing options for the rest of the season would be restricted to Tottenham or Cologne.
Cologne hope a similar improvement will follow in Germany. For now, Moore’s lack of goals, assists and consistent performances has not persuaded the club to reconsider his loan.
