Mali U-17 captain Aboubacar Maiga is emerging as a top transfer target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Barcelona reportedly monitoring the teenager ahead of a potential summer move.
According to Chronicle Live, the highly rated midfielder has attracted serious interest following impressive performances at youth level.
Barcelona, leveraging their existing relationship with Mali’s Academie Africa Foot, are said to have tabled a pre-contract offer in an attempt to secure his signature early.
Despite this, Maiga’s long-term ambition appears to lie in England, with sources indicating a clear preference for playing in the Premier League.
Maiga, an attacking midfielder known for his technique and composure on the ball, is considered one of Mali’s brightest youth prospects.
Premier League clubs are increasingly investing in promising talent, with Manchester United and Newcastle seeing returns from young recruits like Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven.
Maiga’s potential fits the growing trend of signing and developing overseas prospects through the academy system before promoting them to senior squads.
Given his age, Maiga would likely begin his European journey in an academy setup rather than jumping straight into top-flight football.
His next big opportunity to impress comes later this year, when he is expected to lead Mali at the WAFU (West African Football Union) U-17 tournament in October—a key scouting event for European clubs.
The race for Maiga’s signature is expected to intensify over the coming months, as clubs position themselves to sign one of West Africa’s most promising young players.
