Manchester City were one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing a rapid young forward with the “X-factor”, according to the director of the club that landed him.
The Citizens have had a busy summer on the transfer front, strengthening both their senior squad and their academy ranks.
For instance, Dexter Oliver and Freddie Lawrie are joining City’s academy from Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa respectively.
Now, according to Udinese group director Gianluca Nani, City were in the picture for an exciting teenage striker who ended up joining them instead.
Manchester City miss out on Senegal teenager Idrissa Gueye
The player in question is Idrissa Gueye, who recently joined Udinese from Metz on loan with obligation to buy.
The 18-year-old helped Metz win promotion from Ligue 2 last season with five goals from 17 matches in France’s second tier.
Gueye, who has won one Senegal cap, has been described by the Udinese media team as a ‘fast, mobile forward with an excellent physical build’.
And Nani confirmed that Man City were among the teams keen on Gueye, along with West Ham United and Borussia Dortmund.
“Gueye is a boy with the ‘X factor’,” Nani told Il Messaggero Veneto, via Tutto Udinese.
“Another classic Udinese move, given that he was being followed by clubs like Manchester City, West Ham, and Borussia Dortmund.”
Nani also claimed that signing more players like Gueye is one of Udinese’s main goals.
“One of our goals is to continue investing in young players, as is the club’s hallmark, pairing them with more ready players.”
Who are Manchester City’s exciting new academy signings?
Although City have missed out on Gueye – for now – their academy is already brimming with talent.
Dexter Oliver is a 16-year-old midfielder who can play at No. 8 and No. 10, and is part of the same agency as Kevin De Bruyne.
‘Oliver has been making waves with his exceptional skills and goal-scoring prowess,’ Roc Nation Sports International said of Oliver on his profile page.
‘His rapid rise through the club’s youth ranks has already positioned him as a player to watch.
‘An attacking midfielder, Dexter Oliver is equally adept at scoring goals as he is creating them.’
Lawrie is also a 16-year-old midfielder, though he is a more defensive-minded player who can also play at centre-back.
He was part of the Villa team that beat Man City 1-0 in last season’s U18 Premier League final to lift the title, and has won nine caps for England’s U17s.
In addition, City are still believed to be in talks over Kaylum Moss, who plays for Liverpool’s academy.
