Manchester United look keen to continue their focus on signing youth players they can develop into first-team stars. The Red Devils have somewhat taken inspiration from Chelsea’s strategy of buying teenage prospects who can grow.
That’s why it’s unsurprising to hear both clubs are eyeing one of Norweigan football’s most exciting defensive prospects. Neither are they exactly short of options in defence, but they could be thinking about the long-term future.
Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh has reportedly attracted interest from United and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window. He’s a Gambian centre-back who looks set to move to one of Europe’s big clubs.
United are reportedly preparing a trip to Norway to watch Kinteh in action, per Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport. Chelsea, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven are also moving for the 19-year-old, but the Reds have the advantage.
Kinteh is currently catching the eye at Norweigan outfit Tromso, joining the club from their partner academy in Senegal. He was initially given a trial and earned himself a five-year contract.
He has only made 25 senior appearances for the club but is already earning rave reviews. Tactical analyst Futbird have dubbed him “the Gambian gem”, and it seems the Reds’ scouting team share a similar opinion.
Transfermarkt currently value Kinteh at €5 million (£4.4m), but this fee is expected to rise given the interest shown from four top European clubs. He is left-footed, suggesting he might be eyed as a long-term replacement for Lisandro Martinez.
INEOS building a strong future
United’s transfer business has improved since INEOS took over the club’s sporting operations. They were bang on the money last summer when signing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.
Other arrivals during the change in sporting control include teenage prospects such as Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Diego Leon, Chido Obi and Sekou Kone. This shows that INEOS mean business when it comes to preparing for the club’s future and the present.
A move for Kinteh could follow the same blueprint as Heaven, who was fast-tracked into the senior squad. The versatile English defender arrived from Arsenal and immediately made an impression with superb defensive displays.
The focus
While targeting another one of Europe’s teenage starlets is a promising move, it won’t be a priority. The main focus this summer is signing at least one new midfielder to replace Casemiro’s departure.
The veteran Brazilian midfielder is leaving when his contract expires in June. Several young but already proven names have been linked, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
There is a chance that two new midfielders arrive at Old Trafford, especially with Manuel Ugarte struggling to impress. Whoever is in charge next season will likely have a new-look midfield.
