Manchester United’s youth recruitment has been on overdrive since INEOS took control of the sporting affairs of the club.
Last summer, the Red Devils completed deals for Leny Yoro and Chido Obi while in January, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Ayden Heaven joined. All four were below 21.
And with INEOS’ transfer budget expected to be tight once again in the summer, a lot more deals for young players with potential is expected to take place.
As per The Daily Mail, one such player who has captured the attention of United scouts is Ajax’s 16-year-old genius Abdellah Ouazane.
Ajax wonderkid
The teenage midfielder stole the show at the recent U17 Africa Cup of Nations Championships in Morocco as the hosts qualified for semi-finals.
Despite being younger than most of the participants in the competition, Ouazane was a standout. His remarkable athletic style and eye for a goal have earned him comparisons with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
“Manchester United are showing interest in Ajax teenager Abdellah Ouazane. Club scouts watched the 16-year old steal the show at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations Championships in Morocco last week.
“Athletic, excellent on the ball, Ouazane is a versatile midfielder with strong dribbling ability and an eye for both a goal and a pass. He joined Ajax from Zeeburgia in 2016 and has been likened in style to Jude Bellingham.”
Morocco’s coach Nabil Baha was effusive in his praise for the teenage sensation.
Early deal
“He’s a player we count on a lot. He can make the difference. He was born in 2009 — people forget that. He’s a year younger than the others. But he plays at Ajax, and he’s full of talent.
“These days, 100 per cent isn’t enough. Everyone gives 100 per cent. What we need is 120 per cent. And he’s capable of that.”
As expected, the Ajax wonderkid is starting to attract interest from a lot of big clubs and United are looking to pounce early so as to stave off competition.
He has made 11 appearances for Ajax’s U17 side, scoring once while registering an assist. He can play all across the midfield.
English clubs can only sign foreign talents when they turn 18 so it will be interesting to see how the Red Devils go about this potential transfer.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
