“A real plus for my progression”: Ex-United wonderkid explains why he left Old Trafford for surprise destination

Manchester United underwent many changes during the January transfer window, both within the first team and the academy.

A lot of academy starlets left temporarily while a few also departed permanently with The Peoples Person relaying that Sekou Kaba was one of the promising starlets who left on a permanent basis.

The 17-year-old joined Championship side Cardiff City and will link up with their U21s. In an interview with Africa Foot, he revealed he had offers to join teams higher up in the Championship pyramid.

“Several clubs were interested in me, including Stoke City, Swansea City, and Norwich City. But after discussing it with my management team, we decided Cardiff was the best option.

Kaba had plenty of suitors

“And we have absolutely no regrets about this decision. It’s an ideal setting for a great experience and to progress.”

The versatile forward revealed that the Bluebirds offered him a quicker path to first-team football which is why he chose to join the Welsh side.

For most teams, he would start with the U18s given his age and relative inexperience but not in Cardiff.

“I chose Cardiff because it offers me a more direct path to the first-team. I’ll be playing with the U21s rather than the U18s, which is a real plus for my progression.”

Kaba ended his four-year stay with the Red Devils having made only three U18 appearances for the club, with one of them coming this season.

Cardiff provided the best project

He had joined from Derby County along with James Scanlon and Malachi Sharpe back in 2021. And while the duo have impressed, the Guinean failed largely due to injuries.

Cardiff represents a brand-new chance for him to restart his career in earnest with the club even laying out their plans with regards to his progression to the first-team eventually.

“Signing for Cardiff City was an incredible experience. The welcome was warm, and I immediately felt it was the perfect place for me.

“I had the opportunity to speak with the first-team director, who explained the club’s plan to me in detail. This reassured me of my choice, and I’m happy to be joining Cardiff. My goal is to work hard to continue improving.”

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