Mikey Moore Explains Why He Chose Cologne Loan Over English Offers
Mikey Moore says his decision to join Cologne on loan was driven by a wish to leave the familiarity of English football and prove himself in one of Europe’s leading leagues.
The Tottenham teenager had opportunities to remain in either the Premier League or Championship, but opted for a move to Germany after deciding that a new environment would better support his development. Having also recently spent time on loan with Rangers, the forward has quickly established himself at Cologne, starting each of the club’s past three league matches.
Moore wanted a different test
Moore said he considered staying in England, where the football and surroundings would have been more familiar, before choosing a club that would push him beyond his comfort zone.
“I had options to stay in England and perhaps stay in a place where I was more comfortable,” Moore said. “But when it came down to choosing a team, I wanted to take myself out of that comfort zone a bit and test myself in a major league, one of the top five leagues.”
The attacker believes the Bundesliga offers an important route into senior football for young players. He cited Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, whose spells at Borussia Dortmund preceded their emergence as leading international players, as examples that influenced his thinking.
“Over the years, there have been so many young players who have come here,” Moore said. “There are really good examples, with world-class players such as Jude Bellingham and Sancho doing so well.”
Early starts at Cologne
Cologne’s coaching staff have handed Moore an immediate run in the side, with the teenager starting the last three league fixtures. That early confidence has helped him settle while adjusting to the physical and tactical demands of German football.
Moore had been told before the move that the Bundesliga’s pace and intensity would be valuable for his progress, and said his first experience of the division has confirmed that view.
“When we were talking, everyone said it would be a really good experience for me to play this type of football,” he said. “It is very intense and there are some excellent teams in the league. For me, it was a no-brainer.”
Bayern reunion awaits
Cologne are due to face Bayern Munich next month, giving Moore the prospect of meeting Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena. The England captain was a senior figure during Moore’s early Tottenham years, when the pair trained together under Antonio Conte.
Moore recalled being struck by Kane’s finishing in those sessions, describing it as unlike anything he had previously witnessed. He is now hoping to leave Munich with a memento from the occasion.
“I’ll do my best to get hold of that shirt,” Moore said.
