Man United set to sign 17-year-old midfielder – report | OneFootball

Manchester United Close on Mouhamed Dabo Transfer After Academy President Flies to England

Manchester United look set to finalise the signing of Senegalese midfielder Mouhamed Dabo after reports confirmed that the president of Be Sports Academy has travelled to England to complete negotiations. TeamTalk carried the original story, citing AfricaFoot, and the momentum behind this move is now clear.

Rising Talent Drawing Elite Interest

The 17-year-old, who captains Senegal’s Under-17 side, has already caught the eye of Barcelona. However, Manchester United are firmly in pole position to secure his signature. According to TeamTalk, “Mouhamed Dabo – who is currently on trial at Carrington – is very close to signing with Manchester United.”

Barcelona retain interest in the teenager, but the timing of Be Sports Academy’s intervention, with their president now “in England to finalise discussions regarding a possible transfer,” highlights United’s determination to win the race.

Attributes That Have Impressed Coaches

Feedback from his trial period at Carrington has been nothing short of glowing. AfricaFoot noted, “According to our information, the feedback has been very positive. The English club’s coaching staff has been impressed by his all-round skills: clean tackling, vision, composure, ball control, leadership, relentless work, progressive passing, and pace control.”

Those qualities, considered rare in a player so young, underline why United are ready to act quickly. Another telling line from the report states: “A modern midfielder, Mouhamed Dabo combines tactical intelligence, fine technique, and physical impact.”

For a squad currently in transition, with Casemiro expected to enter his final season, Manuel Ugarte’s future unclear, and Bruno Fernandes linked with Saudi Arabia, the timing could not be better.

Strategic Planning For Future Success

Manchester United have been deliberate in targeting both established players and youth prospects under Ruben Amorim. The club’s radar already features Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, yet securing a prodigious talent such as Dabo adds another layer of depth to their longer-term planning.

TeamTalk’s piece made clear that Dabo’s attributes “explain the growing interest in his profile.” At just 17, he is described by his coaches as “already ready” for the top level. His combination of leadership and progressive passing fits seamlessly with Amorim’s high-intensity philosophy, offering United the potential to nurture a midfielder capable of dictating games for years to come.

Competition Beaten At Crucial Stage

Barcelona’s presence in the race demonstrates the scale of Dabo’s reputation, but United’s quick movement has been decisive. The Academy president’s arrival in England signals the final stages of an agreement, and it now appears a matter of when, not if, Dabo becomes a Manchester United player.

As TeamTalk reported, “Just a few months before his 18th birthday, he attracted the interest of the biggest European teams, proof of his enormous potential.” For United, completing this deal would be both a statement of intent and an investment in the future midfield spine of the club.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this report feels like exactly the kind of forward-thinking move the club should be making under Ruben Amorim. After a strong first season and a steady start in his second, Amorim has already shown his commitment to youth and his insistence on players who combine tactical intelligence with relentless energy.

Dabo fits that mould perfectly. At just 17, he has already been labelled a “modern midfielder” with attributes that mirror what Amorim demands. The idea of a teenager who can dictate tempo, break lines with his passing and display leadership on the pitch is enough to excite even the most cautious fan.

United’s midfield has been an area of concern for several years. Casemiro’s experience has been vital, but age is catching up. Bruno Fernandes, while inspirational, might not be around long-term if Saudi Arabia’s interest escalates. The opportunity to bring in a future leader who could anchor the team for a decade is something fans have been craving.

Most importantly, beating Barcelona to this signing is significant. For years, United have been criticised for failing to compete with Europe’s giants for emerging talents. Now, under Amorim’s watch, they appear to be changing that narrative.

If this deal is finalised, fans will rightly feel optimistic. Dabo may not walk straight into the first team, but the thought of him developing under Amorim’s coaching, alongside prospects like Mainoo, could herald a new golden era for the midfield.