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Exclusives
Chelsea and Man United battling Barcelona to sign midfield prodigy likened to Lionel Messi
TBR Football can exclusively reveal that a host of Premier League clubs are battling Barcelona to land one of Africa’s brightest young talents Aboubacar Maiga.
The Spanish giants are hoping to utilise their partnership with Academie Africa Foot to snap up a talented teenager who is already drawing major attention across Europe.
That agreement, signed last year, has already seen the Spanish giants successfully bring Ibrahim Diarra into their ranks, with the young talent now shining for Barcelona B.
And they now have eyes set on Maiga, who turns 16 in June, and is already regarded as one of the standout prospects of his generation.
However, they face stiff competition, as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City are all interested in signing the midfield prodigy.
Aboubacar Maiga wanted by Chelsea, Man United and Man City
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has been informed that Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all showing active interest in signing Aboubacar Maiga.
Despite Barcelona’s direct pathway into Academie Africa Foot, the English clubs are determined to lure Maiga to the Premier League.
TBR Football also understands that beyond the Premier League and Barcelona, other major European outfits — including the Red Bull organisation — are keeping tabs on the teenager’s next move.
Red Bull’s renowned youth development model, with clubs such as RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, could appeal to Maiga as he weighs up his options for the future.
Who is Aboubacar Maiga?
Maiga, who has been nicknamed the “Malian Messi” (via ) is renowned for his technical brilliance, creativity, and vision in midfield.
| Name | Aboubacar Maiga |
| Birth | 2009 June (15 years old) |
| Birthplace | Bamako |
| Nationality | Mali |
| Height | 165 cm |
| Position | Attacking midfielder, winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right foot (both feet) |
He has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in world football. At just 16 years old, the attacking midfielder from Mali is already being hailed for his exceptional technical ability, vision, and flair on the pitch.
Maiga has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his creativity, dribbling, and eye for the game. His impressive leadership qualities have also made him the captain of Mali’s U16 national team.