And the inevitable has happened. It would be a blasphemy not to link Manchester United with someone who is on every major club’s top transfer list. The Red Devils have been associated with almost all major prospects across Europe this summer with only a few exceptions and Fulham’s young sensation, Ryan Sessegnon, was one of them.
However, Jose Mourinho has now reportedly joined the bandwagon who want the 17-year-old full-back this summer. A Fulham youth product, Sessegnon has been turning heads since last season with some brilliant displays both at the junior as well as with Fulham’s first team. This deal could, however, be tricky for United as money wouldn’t be the biggest lure for the player surely.
Sessegnon turned just 17 last month and is yet to sign a professional contract with Fulham at the moment. Which means he is available for just £2 million at the moment, and even with Fulham managing to agree a professional contract with the player won’t skyrocket his price tag to astronomical figures.
It will be the player’s choice at the end and with Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and many more willing to land him, more first-team action should be Sessegnon’s first priority. And although Manchester United are increasingly short on their left back’s role with Luke Shaw mostly unavailable owing to his injuries, Mourinho isn’t likely to start Sessegnon just yet.
A promotion to the Premier League could have more than secured the player’s chances of staying at Craven Cottage next season, but Fulham failed to do so. Hence, a move looks more or less imminent this summer despite Fulham reportedly willing to secure a three-year contract for the player.
A left-back by nature, Sessegnon can also play at left-wing, which makes him a thrilling prospect for many. Having drawn comparisons to Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale already, Sessegnon can, in fact, end up as a brilliant forward if falling under the right manager to nurture him. And the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Arsene Wenger and Mauricio Pochettino definitely stand out in that scenario.
He has played 25 times in the Championship last term, scoring five times and assisting thrice. He also scored two goals in the EFL Cup. Since making his debut for England U-19’s back in October 2016, he has already managed seven caps.
One good thing is Sessegnon still has a lot of time to take his chances as FIFA 2018 World Cup isn’t one of his targets. However, his next move could surely be a career-defining one.
