Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga had the opportunity to join Manchester United and Liverpool’s academy earlier in his career.
According to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, he turned down the approaches from the Red Devils and the Merseyside club, but now has dreams of joining Manchester City in the future.
Speaking to the same publication, the 19-year-old explained his decision to knock-back United and Liverpool: “A diploma was a priority”.
When talking about his future dreams, the midfielder responded “FC Barcelona or Manchester City: I dream of clubs like that.”
Lokonga will need to get more experience and top performances with his current club, which will be necessary for him to attract interest from Pep Guardiola’s side and Barca.
The player’s progress was cut short after he suffered a long-term injury at the end of last year, but he’s regained his place in the squad this season.
Lokonga’s current deal runs down in 2020, and Anderlecht have an option to extend it by another year. The teenager has said he’ll sign an extension if the numbers are right.
“We are very close to an agreement for several seasons (three or four, ed.). If the club offers me an agreement that suits my value, then it will go quickly. It will be fine anyway,” he added.
