Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley have Serigne Afia Ndao on their radar.
The 16-year-old is at Be Sport Academy based in Dakar. Despite his young age, he’s caught the attention of the Premier League trio, Wolves, Burnley and other European clubs.
Afia Ndao’s profile and potential have already seen him travel to the UK for trials with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. Newcastle United, Wolves and Burnley continue to keep a close watch on him.
Impresses Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town
Be Sport Academy have confirmed his trip to the UK to train with both Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. They add other clubs, including Newcastle United, Wolves and Burnley are also in the mix.
Besides the English clubs, Benfica and Saudi side Al-Qadsiah have Serigne Afia Ndao on their radar.
The Senegalese state former Chelsea U21 manager Mark Robinson compared the teenager to some of Blues’ current and former defenders.
A statement read: ‘Serigne Afia trained with the reserve teams of Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace, where he impressed everyone. He stood out for his quality on the ball, his height, and his physical presence.’
‘He received strong endorsements from the coaching staff of both academies, including Mark Robinson, former coach of Chelsea’s reserve team. Robinson placed Serigne Afia in the same category as Levi Colwill, Trevor Chalobah, and Ben Chilwell, whom he coached a few years ago.’
‘He is currently on the radar of Newcastle United, Wolverhampton, Burnley, Benfica, Al Qadsiah, and others.’
Newcastle, Wolves and Burnley trials not ruled out
Serigne Afia Ndao is in contention to represent Senegal at the 2026 U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Should be miss out, Be Sport Academy says he may have trials with the aforementioned clubs.
The U17 World Cup kicks off on November 19th and goes on until December 13th. If he makes it to the squad, Newcastle United, Wolves and Burnley have to wait until the completing of the tournament.
Afia Ndao will turn 18 years of age in December 2027 and can’t play for the British club until then. However, these clubs can agree a deal anytime for him to join them in January 2028.
