According to a recent report by The Guardian, Premier League giants Manchester City are scouting 17-year-old Ajax attacker Sontje Hansen. The report suggests that Pep Guardiola is keen to add more attacking talent to his front-line. Hansen would be available at a relatively nominal fee, and that would be a win considering the Citizens’ financial situation as well as the player’s overall ability.
Scouting Dutch Starlet Sontje Hansen
Who Is Sontje Hansen?
Born in the Dutch city of Hoorn, Hansen began his playing career with the youth system at local club Always Forward, before moving over to the Zwaluwen academy in the summer of 2012. Fortunately for him though, that stint lasted less than a year. He was eventually identified as a potential talent and brought into the Ajax academy in the summer of 2013. Having been a member of the Ajax youth system for such a long time now, it’s perhaps not surprising that he’s developed into such an exciting talent.
Since the switch to Amsterdam, it must be said that the youngster’s progress through the ranks has been consistent, and at no point has he looked like dropping off the pace that’s required. The Dutchman made two first-team appearances for Ajax this season, including a 15-minute cameo in their 6-1 thrashing of Den Haag back in December. While that’s impressive for a 17-year-old, the youngster’s biggest selling point is the fact that he won the Golden Boot at the U-17 FIFA World Cup the last time out.
What Makes Hansen Such An Attractive Prospect For Manchester City?
The youngster is one of the best budding attackers in the Dutch league at the moment, and that’s saying something. The Eredivisie has become renowned over the last few years as the league that produces some of the best talents in the continent, with players like Frenkie De Jong now regulars at some of the biggest clubs in the world. Signing Hansen could have a hugely positive impact on this Manchester City side.
The Ajax academy star shows fantastic movement off the ball and has the intelligence required to time his runs in behind, despite his tender age. Adept at linking up play and making sharp turns to leave defenders for dead, the Dutchman could be classed as one of the most complete young strikers in the league at the moment. Despite being 17, the forward boasts excellent finishing quality as well as technique, as can be seen from all the goals he’s scored for club and country.
Why This Would Be A Smart Signing By Guardiola?
The youngster has been touted to achieve big things in the future, and if there’s one thing that this City team is lacking, then it’s the presence of some high-quality youth players. Phil Foden is the only name that comes to mind when thinking of high-potential players at Manchester City, owing largely to the fact that Gabriel Jesus, at 23, is already one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League.
Hansen has the quality and skill required to reach the same level, and when a manager like Pep Guardiola decides to scout a player, you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s going to be a good one.
