Mikey Moore credits Sancho and Bellingham for inspiring Cologne loan move

Mikey Moore says the example set by Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham helped persuade him to leave England for a season-long loan at Cologne. The 19-year-old Tottenham attacker explained his decision on the BBC's Euro Leagues podcast on Thursday, saying the Bundesliga offered an appealing opportunity to develop after his previous loan spell with Rangers.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq2qXRRVO9I

Moore joined Cologne last month and told the BBC he had considered alternatives in England before choosing Germany. He wanted to challenge himself outside familiar surroundings in one of Europe's leading leagues. Discussions with Cologne's manager and staff helped convince him, and he said their trust had already been reflected in the playing time he received early in his stay.

Sancho and Bellingham both established themselves at Borussia Dortmund before securing moves elsewhere. Sancho arrived from Manchester City as a teenager, made more than 150 appearances and helped Dortmund win the German Cup in 2021 before joining Manchester United. Bellingham moved from Birmingham City in 2020 and subsequently joined Real Madrid in 2023. Moore cited their development as examples of what Germany could offer young English players.

The move follows a substantial first-team introduction in Scotland. According to BBC Sport, Moore made 47 appearances across all competitions for Rangers last season, including Champions League qualifying matches. His Scottish Premiership record included six goals and two assists in 28 appearances. That loan was his first move away from boyhood club Tottenham, giving him experience of senior football before he took on another new environment.

Moore has also begun settling into life away from the pitch. He has found an apartment near fellow England youth internationals Reigan Heskey and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who also joined Cologne this summer. He took his first German lesson this week and said he hoped regular practice would help him manage everyday tasks, including ordering food, in the local language.

The teenager said he was already pleased with his choice but wanted to establish a career in Germany on his own terms. He described the competition as intense and stressed the importance of continuing his development. His account put Cologne's early backing alongside the influence of Sancho and Bellingham: their careers encouraged the move, while the opportunity to play was central to his decision.