Idrissa Gueye’s rapid rise in French football has caught the attention of European heavyweights, with Manchester United and Liverpool among the clubs monitoring the teenage striker’s progress at FC Metz.
The 18-year-old Senegalese forward only joined Metz in January 2025 from Génération Foot, the club’s long-time partner in Senegal. In the space of just a few months, he has become a pivotal figure in the team’s promotion back to Ligue 1, helping to secure their return to the French top flight for the 2025/26 season.
Gueye made an immediate impact at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, scoring six goals and providing one assist in 17 appearances during the Ligue 2 campaign.
His pace, technical ability, and composure in front of goal have not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League clubs dispatching scouts to monitor his development in recent weeks.
According to sources close to the club, both Manchester United and Liverpool have shown strong interest in the striker, with Borussia Dortmund also reportedly tracking his situation.
All three clubs have sent representatives to watch him in action, impressed by both his performances and his maturity for a player of his age.
Gueye, who featured prominently for Senegal at the U17 World Cup in 2023, earned his first senior international call-up in recent weeks.
While he did not feature in the friendlies against Ireland (1-1) and England (3-1), his inclusion in the squad is seen as further recognition of his growing stature on the international stage.
Despite Metz’s desire to retain their rising star, the club’s financial circumstances may force them to consider offers this summer. Gueye is under contract until June 2029, and Metz are understood to be in no rush to sell.
However, the lure of significant transfer fees could test their resolve, especially if interest intensifies ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign.
Internally, the Metz hierarchy recognises the value of holding on to a player who could become central to their top-flight ambitions. But there is also an acknowledgment that the club may struggle to resist a substantial bid, particularly from one of Europe’s elite clubs. While they are not actively seeking to sell, officials are said to be preparing for potential negotiations should a formal approach be made.
Gueye’s background with Génération Foot, the same academy that produced Sadio Mané and other Senegalese talents, adds to his growing reputation.
His seamless adaptation to European football has drawn comparisons with some of his illustrious predecessors, and his performances have already sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike.
For now, Gueye remains focused on preparing for life in Ligue 1 with Metz. However, the coming weeks could prove decisive, with transfer speculation expected to intensify as the summer window progresses.
As Metz gear up for their return to France’s top tier, the spotlight on Gueye is only likely to grow—whether he stays in Lorraine or makes a high-profile move abroad.
