Man City and Man Utd Battle for Burkina Faso Wonderkid Mohamed Zongo

Manchester City and Manchester United are set for a heated showdown in the race to sign Burkina Faso wonderkid Mohamed Zongo, the 15-year-old attacking midfielder who took the 2025 U17 World Cup by storm. Both Premier League giants have made formal approaches to Zongo’s current club, Tenakourou Academy, as interest in the prodigious talent continues to intensify across Europe.

Burkina Faso Wonderkid Mohamed Zongo Attracts Europe’s Elite

Mohamed Zongo’s breakout performances at the U17 World Cup in Qatar have placed him firmly on the radar of top European clubs. The teenager played a crucial role in guiding Burkina Faso to the quarter-finals, contributing two goals and three assists, and earning multiple man-of-the-match awards. His decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Germany especially caught the eye of scouts from Manchester City, Manchester United, Villarreal, and Anderlecht.

Both Manchester clubs recently held discussions with Tenakourou Academy, outlining their long-term vision for Zongo’s development. While financial terms are yet to be finalized, the academy is taking a measured approach, carefully evaluating where the player’s growth would be best supported.

City and United Intensify Pursuit of Mohamed Zongo

The battle for Mohamed Zongo is as much about strategic youth investment as it is about immediate footballing potential. Manchester City, renowned for a global youth recruitment network, see Zongo as a versatile, high-upside midfielder capable of developing into a City Football Group asset or even a future Premier League star. His blend of technical creativity, defensive intelligence, and physical maturity reminds many of a young Yaya Toure.

Manchester United, now rebuilding under INEOS, are equally determined. Their new focus on youth echoes in their pursuit of top talents like Zongo. United’s coaching staff believe his ability to play centrally, as a No. 10, or on the wing fits the multi-positional demands of Ruben Amorim’s evolving tactical blueprint. After the recent signing of former U17 World Cup standout Sekou Kone, United are eager not to be outdone by their noisy neighbors.

Mohamed Zongo’s U17 World Cup Impact

Zongo did not just contribute on the scoresheet; he dominated games with his vision, quick feet, and presence. Against Italy in the quarter-finals, he narrowly missed adding to his goal tally, but his creativity and leadership earned high praise from international observers.

Scouts have long tracked Zongo’s progress at Tenakourou Academy, identifying his tactical flexibility and maturity beyond his years. He thrives across multiple midfield roles and has shown exceptional composure in high-pressure knockout matches—a rare trait for a player his age.

Competition Heats Up for Burkina Faso Wonderkid Mohamed Zongo

While City and United remain favorites, competition from Villarreal and Anderlecht ensures the transfer saga is far from over. Each club is preparing detailed plans, promising tailored development pathways that could include academy integration, loan spells, or mentorship from senior pros. Tenakourou Academy, however, is in no rush. Their priority is finding the environment that best supports Zongo’s long-term growth as opposed to simply pursuing the biggest offer.

With no immediate agreement, the race for Mohamed Zongo remains in the early stages. Both Manchester clubs are expected to strengthen their proposals in the coming weeks, aiming to convince Zongo’s camp with promises of European footballing stardom.

Zongo: The “Next Yaya Toure”?

Many in the football world are already labeling Mohamed Zongo the “next-gen Yaya Toure,” thanks to his blend of athleticism, technical skill, and game intelligence. His physicality and versatility make him an attractive proposition for any European powerhouse seeking to strengthen its academy with players of high potential and resale value.

What’s Next for Mohamed Zongo?

As Zongo continues to impress at Tenakourou Academy, both Manchester City and Manchester United will be closely monitoring his progress, maintaining open dialogue with his coaches and representatives. The coming months are set to be crucial as both sides sharpen their pitches—not just to secure a transfer, but to win a symbolic victory in one of football’s fiercest city rivalries.

For more news and updates on emerging football talents and major transfer stories, visit for more news.

Opinion: A Defining Recruitment Battle

In my view, the pursuit of Mohamed Zongo highlights just how crucial elite youth recruitment has become in modern football. City and United’s determination to sign Zongo is not only about acquiring a gifted player, but also about securing bragging rights in a growing rivalry that extends far beyond the first team. Whichever club wins this race could be landing a generational talent—the type who shapes fortunes for years to come.