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The post-Sir Alex Ferguson years have been characterized by the arrival of big-name players with huge salaries but little silverware to show for their efforts.
The new co-owners of INEOS want to adopt a new approach that includes buying rough diamonds, and which also includes focusing on domestic talent.
With the academy doing so well this year (the U18 team won the treble), the club will be looking to keep the talent flowing, with Stoke City’s highly talented Souleymane Sidibé reportedly a target for the club according to Foot Mercat.
In fact, the Red Devils have been watching him closely for more than a few years now. The report also adds that fierce rivals Manchester City and Liverpool have also been keeping a close eye on his development.
Young Sidibe is attracting a lot of interest
“Sol Sidibé, as he is nicknamed, grew up in the heart of the West Midlands club and quite logically took his first steps among the youngsters at Stoke City.
A boon for the English club who were able to capitalize on young Sol’s quality in the youth team, while the midfielder has been courted by Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool since the age of 14.
The son of famous former Stoke City player Mamady Sidibe, the young midfielder made his debut for the Potters last August aged 16 years and 176 days, becoming the first player born in 2007 to make his debut in one of English football’s top divisions.
In the process, he also became the second youngest debutant in Stoke City’s history. The 17-year-old can play across midfield and has made eight first-team appearances this season, including a start in the Carabao Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion.
Despite being born in France and having the opportunity to represent both Senegal and Mali, Sidibe was recently called up to the England U18 squad and featured in the 4-2 friendly win over Northern Ireland.
The increased exposure has drawn more attention to him and now the likes of Chelsea, Juventus and even Rangers are eyeing a move for the academy gem.
The midfield gem is wanted
“The icing on the cake and the reward for the effort, the one who has a French passport, but who because of his origin can play with Senegal and Mali, has just been called up to the England U18 national team.
“Obviously, performances like this and his invitation to the England national team arouse the desire of big European clubs. Chelsea, Juventus, Glasgow Rangers, Brighton are interested, as well as Monaco in France.”
The midfield wonderkid’s contract with Stoke City runs until 2025 and he won’t be giving up his crown jewel without a fight. The article does not mention a possible valuation.
INEOS would do well to secure the brightest young talent across the country, something the club excelled at during the legendary Scottish manager’s reign.
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