Manchester United have spotted a bright young talent from the Norwegian Premier League in Krepin Diatta, but he will not come cheap
As reported by ESPN FC, the Red Devils are looking to sign Krepin Diatta as he has been on the club’s radar for quite some time. But Diatta, who plays for Sarpsborg 08 in the Norwegian Premier league, has been turning the heads of many of the deep-pocketed clubs across Europe.
The midfielder does not stand very tall at 5 feet 8 inches, but his pace, strength and athleticism have made him a special talent.
Diatta began his career and came through the Oslo Football Academy. He signed a four year contract with Sarpsborg 08 in February, as the club looked to protect their asset. Diatta has scored 2 goals in 14 appearances in the league, and he is also part of the Senegalese U20 team, for whom he has already scored 2 goals in 3 games.
18 years old Krepin Diatta of Sarpsborg 08, scored this great solo goal vs. Odds BK pic.twitter.com/boTf3AXHnP
— Troll Football Media (@Troll__Footbal) August 10, 2017
United have strong links in Norway and a proper scouting set up in Scandinavia, which has allowed them to monitor the 18-year old closely for many months. On Monday, United scouts watched him from the stands as he took the field against Odd.
Diatta didn’t know this at the time, and it probably helped him pull off a great performance that has reportedly convinced Manchester United of his potential.
United had previously signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for £1.5 million from Norwegian club Molde in 1996, but faced little competition for that deal.
With Diatta’s rising reputation as the most exciting talent from the Norwegian Premier League, Sarpsorg’s sporting director Thomas Berntsen has admitted that many clubs are looking to sign Krepin Diatta.
There were two other clubs who were also watching Diatta against Odd, and both clubs would want to step up their interest in the Senegalese.
Mourinho spent £150m in the summer on three players, including 23-year old Victor Lindelof. However, Lindelof has not featured in United’s first team, and it’s no secret that Mourinho prefers established players rather than raw talent.
However, the signing of Lindelof – and potentially even Diatta – should always be seen as one for the future.
Manchester United will be chasing Diatta relentlessly, but with the other gigantic European clubs also interested in him, where the teenager ends up remains to be seen.
