Manchester United have made initial moves to sign a young attacking midfielder after he impressed at the U17 World Cup.
Under the stewardship of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s transfer policy has been to sign a mix of emerging young talent and proven Premier League players. Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven are great examples of signings that look to build a solid future for United if they can reach their full potential.
Heaven being a centre-back and Obi playing as a striker provides security at both ends of the pitch for Rúben Amorim if they can continue to develop. However, the position where it seems United lacks emerging talent is in the midfield.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are both in the latter stages of their careers, and Mason Mount has not really impressed since arriving at Old Trafford.
This weakness could harm the Red Devils’ progress, looking into the future, and without replacements, Kobbie Mainoo could become the only viable midfield option in seasons to come, and even his future looks unstable at the moment.
But it seems Amorim and INEOS may recognise this and have made initial moves for a prospect that has caught the eyes of clubs globally.
INEOS continue transfer strategy with Zongo
Sékou Koné was one of the first young players signed by INEOS. He was purchased after an impressive performance at the U17 World Cup, and United may have found another from the competition.
Mohamed Zongo impressed for Burkina Faso at the U17 World Cup and has caught the attention of Manchester City, Villarreal, Anderlecht and now United. The 15-year-old would add solid depth in the middle of the park, playing in an attacking midfielder role.
According to Africa Foot, several clubs have approached Tenakourou Academy and have made their interest in signing the prospect clear. Tenakourou have not made any decisions so far and are keeping all their options open as they look to cash in on the youngster.
Zongo was one of the best players at the U17 World Cup and shone for Burkina Faso, picking up two goals and three assists. He put in multiple man-of-the-match performances until Burkina Faso faced Italy in the quarter-finals, where they were defeated.
Zongo would fit into United’s renowned academy, where he would continue to develop and find a way into the first team. As he is only 15, it may not be in the next couple of seasons that we see Zongo, but if he can fulfil his potential, he could break into the first team quicker than people think.
United need to act fast to beat rivals
United are not the only club interested in the Burkinabé, with their Manchester rivals also in the race to sign the teenager. City are notorious for signing and selling young talent for a profit, or in some cases, breaking into the first team.
Pep Guardiola is undoubtedly going to be a huge factor for the player to think about when choosing which club to sign for. But Amorim’s longer-term project at Old Trafford could better facilitate the development of the midfielder, and his creativity may suit the Portuguese coach’s system.
Manchester City’s ruthless nature when signing players will make it crucial for Amorim and INEOS to act quickly if they decide to proceed with the signing.
Mohamed Zongo is a signing who has the potential to provide security in upcoming seasons in the midfield area, but, as is the case often at many clubs, careers cannot be predicted. Development through United’s youth setup could provide the best chance for the 15-year-old to reach his lofty expectations.
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