Senegal’s youngest-ever senior footballer, Amara Diouf, is set to join French side Metz despite overwhelming interest from top clubs.
A report by AS has revealed that Senegalese starlet Amara Diouf will join Metz when he turns 18. The Generation Foot schoolboy made history for his nation after becoming their youngest-ever appearance maker and has the path to move to Europe already in place. He was also a target for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal.
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw decided to make history during the fixture against Rwanda, as he gave a 15-year-old midfielder Amara Diouf his debut. The youngster became his nation’s youngest player to play on the international stage, although the occasion may have deserved a win for Senegal.
Diouf, developed at Senegal’s famed Generation Foot academy, becomes another player already making a big mark on European football. Not that he has played there yet, but some of the biggest clubs were queuing up for his signature.
Arsenal and Manchester City from England were keen to explore the opportunity to sign him. The 15-year-old African sensation also had the interest of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, it may appear that Diouf has reportedly agreed to join Metz in France, leaving behind some major competitors in the chase.
Amara Diouf became the youngest ever to play for Senegal — born in 2008, 15 years and 94 days. ✨🇸🇳
A LW from Generation Foot academy that produced Sadio Mané.
He’s joining Metz, deal already agreed for the future. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/HuFu4x3CSA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 10, 2023
While Fabrizio Romano reported on the news, Generation Foot’s founder and president, Mady Toure, confirmed the move. He said, “At 18, Amara will go to FC Metz. It is our partner club, which has helped launch the careers of many Senegalese people.”
“Sadio, who is his role model, talks a lot with Amara. The other day, he told him: “Sign for Metz, you won’t regret it. I went through the third division with this team, and look where I am now. The big clubs will still be there if you don’t miss the stages.”
The involvement of Sadio Mane does not come as a surprise, given his strong relationship with Generation Foot, having come through the door here. The Senegal international has gone on to have a stellar career, and he could provide ample good advice to the 15-year-old African sensation Diouf.
Some stories suggest Metz may have some rights to buy players from the academy, as they could have funded Generation Foot. If that’s the case, then it is unsurprising they beat the Barcelona and Real Madrid competition for the 15-year-old African sensation.
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In any case, a move to a big club may end up hampering a promising career. In this case, Diouf could have a good platform with Metz, where he can grow and develop his game before a big move elsewhere in the future.