Karim Cassim may not be the only exciting young midfielder heading to the Manchester United academy, with reports now emerging about Gambian teen sensation Omar Marong.
On Thursday, the uncertainty over whether Manchester City academy star Karim Cassim would join the Red Devils was finally cleared.
United confirmed the 17-year-old had completed his move from City.
Yet even as fans were still digesting that coup, United are already lining up another. This time, the target is Gambian teen prodigy Marong.
Omar Marong transfer links
Football Insider report that “United have made contact over a potential deal for Gambian teen sensation Omar Marong.”
The Red Devils are far from alone, with “La Liga side Celta Vigo are also interested in Marong, along with Portuguese duo Benfica and Sporting CP as well as sides from Germany, France and Scandinavia.”
INEOS, however, have a clear plan to win the race.
They “are ready to move quickly for the midfielder in an attempt to ward off potential interest from rival clubs.”
So why is Marong so in demand?
The 16-year-old produced eye-catching performances at the WAFU Zone A Under-17 tournament while captaining Gambia’s Under-17 side.
He plays as a holding midfielder with excellent composure on the ball and a sharp reading of the game.
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Physically, he is well-equipped too: tall, with an ectomorph build and long legs that he uses to good effect, already showing strong positional sense as a number six.
He still needs polishing, but if the 20-time English champions can land him, the academy coaches can be trusted to polish this rough diamond.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 6/10
Why?
✅ Fits INEOS’ clear ambition to secure top young talent for the academy
⚠️ No other top source has corroborated these transfer links
TPP view
We believe that, as keen as United are to bolster their academy with bright talents, this Marong link may be worth keeping an eye on.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
