FC Barcelona are keeping a close watch on Rapid Vienna whizkid Yusuf Demir, who is also courted by Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
According to an exclusive report from ESPN, Yusuf Demir is set to emerge as one of the hottest young prospects in the transfer market this summer. The young Rapid Vienna attacking midfielder is already courted by a host of top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Even Borussia Dortmund are closely tracking the progress of Demir amid reports linking Jadon Sancho to a move away from Signal Iduna Park in the summer. The youngster’s current contract at Rapid Vienna expires at the end of the next season.
A product of the club’s youth academy, Demir has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since making his professional debut in 2019. He has become a first-team regular under Dietmar Kuhbauer – making a total of 29 competitive appearances for the Austrian giants.
A number ten by trade, the 17-year-old’s three goals and two assists in 16 Bundesliga matches this campaign have helped Rapid Vienna keep up with league leaders RB Salzburg, although it’s very unlikely that they will be able to pip the Jesse Marsch led side for the league title come May.
Nevertheless, Demir’s playmaking qualities, coupled with his dynamism and smart movements have set the Bundesliga alight. And given the fact that Austrian can even play further forward, it’s hardly surprising why clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United are interested.
Barca, for one, might be looking at young talents this summer, considering the current financial turmoil in the aftermath of the pandemic. They could also be forced to soon prepare for life without Lionel Messi, which is where someone like Demir could be a wise long-term investment.
Manchester United, too, could make a strong case for the youngster, given the progress, they have made under Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer when it comes to nurturing young talents. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay have already become quality first-team starters this year, while Amad Diallo is also making an impact.
However, one could argue that a move to Old Trafford doesn’t bode well for young Demir, who could find himself trailing not only Donny van de Beek but also the mercurial Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order.
Barcelona, in that regard, emerges as the more appealing destination, knowing the club could offload the likes of Philippe Coutinho while Messi’s future also remains uncertain. That said, Demir does have other options including Borussia Dortmund, which has become the breeding ground for exciting, young talents across world football.
