Manchester City ‘enter the race to sign Italian prodigy Cher Ndour from Benfica’… with Pep Guardiola’s side ‘on track to match Manchester United, PSG, Juventus and AC Milan’ for the midfielder this summer
- Manchester City are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer
- Together with older stars, they are eager to add the best young talents
- This includes Benfica starlet Cher Ndour, who played for their B team
Manchester City are reportedly poised to match Manchester United in the battle for Italian prodigy Cher Ndour from Benfica.
The 18-year-old midfielder is one of the most popular players on the continent and has already attracted interest from Erik ten Hag, PSG, Juventus and AC Milan ahead of a potential move this summer.
Ndour, who had progressed through the youth ranks with Atalanta in his native Italy, moved to Benfica at the age of 16 in 2020.
He shone for Benfica’s B team – where he became the youngest ever player to ever play for them at the age of 16 and 269 – beating the previous record held by the club’s former star and now Chelsea mercenary Joao Felix.
Ndour has also represented Italy at the Youth through Under 20 level and made his first senior appearance for Benfica in March.
Man City will face Man United in the battle for Benfica’s Italian prodigy Cher Ndour
Ndour, 18, has impressed for Benfica’s ‘B Team’ since joining from Atalanta aged 16
And according The sunWhile City are eager to recruit senior midfield stars this summer, they also have an eye to the future and see the 18-year-old as part of that.
Ndour has been compared to his childhood idol Paul Pogba, although he is not thought to be eager to return to Italy to join the Frenchman at Juventus.
The report goes on to say that Ndour – who is 6ft 8in (1.85m) tall – has been watched by city scouts while in action for both his club and Italy under-20s.
His contract expires in the summer, so only a training fee would have to be paid to both Benfica and Atalanta if a club signed him, making a takeover more attractive.
Ndour has played 26 matches for the youth teams of The Azurri, from Under 15 to Under 20.
Usually playing in central midfield, Ndour is also adept in a more attacking role and is regarded as one of the top young stars in Europe.
The midfielder made a total of 56 appearances for Benfica’s B side – who play in the second tier of Portuguese football – scoring five times and providing one assist.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly keen to bolster his midfield options with the Italy Under-20 star
Ndour made 56 appearances for Benfica’s B-side and made his debut for the senior team in March