While the big clubs around Europe are all focused on signing the biggest talent, there is a distinct desire to sign young talent too.
The biggest clubs around the continent all hoover up talent, looking to get tomorrow’s stars as early as possible and develop them in house. The Premier League’s giants are no different.
They regularly scout around Europe looking for talent and it seems that hunt has now led Liverpool and Manchester United to France, and Lille in particular, as Foot Mercato report that both clubs have observed 17-year-old midfielder Jean-Pierre Longonda last season.
Longonda, a defensive midfielder, is considered one of the talents in Lille’s youth system and Foot Mercato say he has an air of Abou Diaby about him.
He made his debut for Belgium’s U17’s in January and has since managed three goals and three assists in six games, the kind of form that has caused Liverpool and Manchester United to come sniffing.
He’s yet to sign a professional contract with Lille, further heightening the interest in him, and it’s felt he could be tempted by a move to Serie A, where an unnamed club have already offered him a professional contract.
Could he change those plans if either Liverpool or Manchester United showed serious interest in him at any point? We’ll have to wait and see.
