Metsoko Joins Dundee United on Loan, Bolstering Forward Options

Dundee UnitedTeam·Dundee United have announced the acquisition of Idjessi MetsokoPlayer·Idjessi Metsoko, a 24-year-old forward, on a season-long loan from Chance Liga side Viktoria PlzenTeam·Viktoria Plzen. The agreement includes an option for Dundee UnitedTeam·Dundee United to purchase the player outright, pending the completion of a work permit and necessary SFA and international clearances.

Metsoko arrives in Scotland following successful loan spells with two prominent Slovakian clubs. A product of the AuxerreTeam·Auxerre academy in France, he began his professional career with Czech side MFK VyškovTeam·MFK Vyškov in July 2023. His breakout season saw him net nine goals in 16 appearances in the Czech National Football League, attracting the attention of Viktoria PlzenTeam·Viktoria Plzen, who signed him to a three-year deal in February 2024, extending until the summer of 2027.

His journey continued with a loan to Slovakian giants Slovan BratislavaTeam·Slovan Bratislava in the summer of 2024, where he played a pivotal role in the club's historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League Group Phase. During this period, Metsoko featured in crucial play-off matches against FC MidtjyllandTeam·FC Midtjylland and scored his first Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League goal in a 3-1 defeat to VfB StuttgartTeam·VfB Stuttgart in January 2025.

Following his time at Slovan BratislavaTeam·Slovan Bratislava, Metsoko moved to fellow Slovak First Football League side Spartak Trnava on another season-long loan. He made an immediate impact after his debut in November 2025, contributing three goals in his first four games to help Trnava navigate a challenging start to their campaign.

Internationally, Metsoko made his debut for the Togo national teamTeam·Togo national team in March 2026, scoring his maiden international goal from a late penalty in a friendly against GuineaTeam·Guinea. His arrival at Tannadice sees him link up with his new teammates as the club prepares for the upcoming Premier Sports Cup campaign.

Jim GoodwinCoach·Jim Goodwin, Dundee UnitedTeam·Dundee United's manager, expressed his satisfaction with the new signing.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be able to bring Idjessi to the club and can't wait to get to work with him,"— Jim Goodwin.

Goodwin further described Metsoko as a "powerful, explosive forward with great feet for a striker and quick across the ground," highlighting the attributes the club sought to enhance their attacking options. He also noted Metsoko's recent achievements, including scoring in the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League and on his international debut, suggesting he is well-prepared for this new challenge.

Metsoko himself conveyed his enthusiasm for the move.

"I'm delighted to get everything sorted and become a Dundee United player,"— Idjessi Metsoko.

He added that playing in the UK has always been a dream and that the opportunity to work under the coaching staff in the Scottish Premiership was a significant draw. Metsoko concluded by expressing his eagerness to play in front of the fans and contribute to a successful season.