Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly submitted a formal offer for highly-rated Malian youngster N’Djicoura Raymond Bomba following his standout performances at the recent U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 17-year-old forward made a significant impact at the continental tournament, registering three goals and three assists, drawing the attention of several top European clubs.
Leverkusen are said to be leading the race for his signature, with reports suggesting the Bundesliga side has already tabled a bid in the region of €1 million.
Bomba’s performances have not only underlined his potential but also sparked competition among elite clubs across Europe eager to secure his services before his value rises further.
Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, though no formal offer has been made at this stage. Italian giants AC Milan, Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, and fellow Bundesliga club Hoffenheim have also been linked with the promising forward.
The young striker’s combination of pace, technical ability and vision was on full display during the U17 AFCON, where he played a key role in Mali’s attacking setup.
His maturity on the ball and eye for goal belied his age, marking him as one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Bayer Leverkusen, known for their focus on developing emerging talent, appear to be positioning themselves as the frontrunners.
Their recent success in nurturing young players, coupled with a well-established pathway from youth to first-team football, could offer Bomba an attractive environment to continue his development.
While interest from Manchester City carries the allure of a global powerhouse, the Premier League champions may face challenges in offering the same level of first-team opportunities in the short term. This could prove to be a decisive factor as Bomba and his representatives weigh their options.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that while Bomba has yet to make a decision, his camp is carefully considering the sporting project and development pathway offered by each interested club.
The forward’s priority, according to those familiar with the discussions, is to join a team where he can progress steadily and avoid stagnation during these critical years of his career.
AS Monaco, with their strong track record of developing African talent, and Hoffenheim, a club with a reputation for promoting youth, also remain in contention.
AC Milan, although yet to formalise their interest, are said to be monitoring Bomba’s situation as they continue to rebuild their squad with an eye on future stars.
For now, Bayer Leverkusen’s proactive approach has placed them in a strong position, but with multiple clubs circling and the transfer window approaching, the battle for N’Djicoura Raymond Bomba’s signature is expected to intensify.
A decision could be made in the coming weeks, as the young Malian weighs his next move in what already promises to be a bright future on the European stage.
