AS Roma has set its sights on highly-rated Malian teenager Hamadi Kebé, as the Serie A side prepares to move forward in their pursuit of the 16-year-old defensive prodigy currently developing at LOSC Lille.
Kebé, a standout performer in Lille’s U17 ranks, has been making waves with his composure, physical presence, and tactical intelligence far beyond his years.
Initially groomed as a midfielder at FC Issy before transitioning to central defence, his natural adaptability has drawn widespread attention.
This season alone, the versatile youngster has contributed four goals and five assists — statistics that underscore not only his defensive capabilities but also his creative influence going forward.
AS Roma, having monitored the player closely through three separate assessments, now appears ready to intensify efforts to bring him to Italy.
The club, under the leadership of Bruno Genesio — known for nurturing youthful talent — sees Kebé as a long-term investment and a potential cornerstone in the club’s future backline.
Sources indicate that Roma’s scouts were particularly impressed by Kebé’s ability to read the game and initiate play from the back, qualities that align perfectly with the tactical blueprint Genesio favours.
While the Italian giants prepare to open formal negotiations, LOSC remains eager to retain one of its most promising youth products.
The French club is working towards tying Kebé down to a professional contract and gradually integrating him into their senior squad within the next two seasons.
However, Roma’s growing interest could alter that timeline. With Kebé already attracting attention at the international level — he is a regular fixture in Mali’s U17 squad and expected to feature in the next youth World Cup — the timing of his next move could prove pivotal in shaping a career full of promise.
The decision facing the teenager is not without complexity. On one hand, Lille offers a stable platform for gradual growth, within a familiar structure that has nurtured his progress so far.
On the other, the allure of Serie A and the opportunity to work under a coach who values and develops emerging talents could be too tempting to ignore.
At the heart of the growing attention lies Kebé’s rare blend of physicality, vision, and technical precision.
Whether stepping out from the back or cutting passing lanes, his maturity has stood out in every match. Roma’s decision to prioritise his signing speaks volumes about the impression he has left.
While no agreement has yet been finalised, talks are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks. Lille’s urgency to secure his long-term commitment contrasts with Roma’s determination to make a compelling proposal, creating a dynamic contest between two clubs with sharply different ambitions but one shared target.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the future of Hamadi Kebé remains uncertain — but one thing is clear: a rising star in Malian football now finds himself on the radar of European heavyweights, and his next step could define the next decade of his playing career.
