Man United, Man City, Villarreal and Anderlecht in talks for 15-year-old Burkina Faso gem Mohamed Zongo

Talks are underway between Manchester United, Manchester City, Villarreal and Anderlecht with Tenakourou Academy over 15-year-old Mohamed Zongo, the Burkina Faso standout who impressed at the U17 World Cup. I am told multiple clubs filed detailed scouting reports after Indonesia, then followed up with in-person meetings in West Africa. United sources feel calm and confident. City are pushing a clear development plan. Villarreal and Anderlecht promise rapid minutes at U18 level. The consensus among scouts is clear: elite first touch, acceleration, and pressing IQ beyond his age. A decision is expected once his camp reviews pathway guarantees.

Club and academy contacts confirmed that formal conversations began shortly after the U17 World Cup, with European scouts visiting Ouagadougou to watch closed training sessions at Tenakourou Academy. Technical leads from England, Spain and Belgium requested data packs and GPS outputs from academy matches. I am aware of two separate sit-downs this week involving Zongo's family representatives and European recruitment chiefs, plus a remote presentation on education and guardianship provisions. All four clubs have outlined pathways compliant with FIFA rules for minors, including pre-agreement structures and potential schooling support in Europe once eligible.

🚨 NEW: Manchester United, Man City, Villarreal and Anderlecht are all in talks with the Tenakourou Academy for 15-year-old Burkina Faso talent Mohamed Zongo - he has been turning heads after the U17 World Cup. [@Africafoot_com]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

This race is about pathway, not just badge power. For English clubs, post-Brexit regulations mean they cannot register a non-UK player under 18, so Manchester United and Manchester City are pitching a phased plan: a pre-agreement now, integration support, then registration at 18. City can leverage their multi-club ecosystem to stage training periods and exposure camps, while United sell a clear line from academy to first team that recently nurtured talents into senior minutes.

Villarreal and Anderlecht offer something different: a shorter bridge to European youth competition and a proven track record of accelerating teenagers into U18 and B-team football. Anderlecht’s academy has consistently placed youngsters into senior squads in Belgium, and Villarreal’s residence model is admired for language, education and tactical schooling. That matters to West African families weighing both football and welfare.

Technically, Zongo fits the modern high-press 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. He receives on the half-turn, breaks lines with a quick carry, and counters well in transition. Physically he is early-stage but elastic, with repeat sprints that pop on GPS. Economically, the fee framework would resemble training compensation plus add-ons tied to appearances and a significant sell-on for Tenakourou Academy. For the club that secures him, the upside is asymmetric: low initial outlay, high ceiling, and strong community impact in West Africa.

Reaction

United fans online are energized. One called it a huge talent alert and urged the club to move fast, arguing that interest from four clubs at his age says everything. Another confidently claimed he would choose United, citing size and history. There was also a pragmatist voice questioning squad balance and whether the academy pipeline already looks crowded, although that was quickly countered by those who want elite talent regardless of age.

City supporters, meanwhile, point to the club’s structured pathway through a European network, suggesting City can offer the cleanest development map across U18, Elite Development Squad and strategic loans. Anderlecht followers highlight their academy’s record of fast-tracking teenagers and the comfort of a nurturing environment, while Villarreal fans mention their track record of turning smart, technical profiles into La Liga-ready players.

Some discourse drifted toward Premier League tribal banter about other clubs’ spending and form, which is par for the course, but the core sentiment stays the same: Zongo has captured imaginations. The most common thread is excitement and curiosity about how his camp prioritizes playing time, education, and a clear route to senior football over marketing shine.

Social reactions

Huge talent alert! 🇧🇫✨ Mohamed Zongo must be something special if United, City, Villarreal & Anderlecht are all trying to get him at just 15. 👀 One to watch for the future 💎🔥

DC (@utd_Dc49)

Of course he would choose United. The biggest club here.

Clytheronix (@Clytheronix)

I think we have enough African players now

Bonna.btc🧪🧸 (@BonnaBtc695)

Prediction

Short term, expect each club to formalize proposals around three pillars: education and guardianship, technical pathway, and compliance with FIFA rules for minors. Man United will push a pre-agreement with regular touchpoints, periodic visits, and planned integration at 18, possibly supported by friendly tournaments and supervised training camps. City will outline a similar agreement but can add options through their network, such as phased exposure with partner setups and a defined U23 progression.

Villarreal and Anderlecht remain compelling near-term football destinations. If the family prioritizes earlier European match rhythm, Belgium and Spain can offer youth competition and a smoother language transition with strong pastoral care. That scenario could see Zongo in Europe as soon as eligibility and family considerations align, with Tenakourou Academy retaining a sell-on clause.

My expectation: United are marginal favorites due to long-standing relationships in West Africa and a clear first-team pitch, but City’s structure and the European pair’s fast-track minutes keep this honest. A decision window of 4-8 weeks is realistic. Whichever route he takes, the agreement is likely to include aggressive appearance bonuses, education guarantees, and a robust performance plan that scales from U18 to senior football by 19-20 if development holds.

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Conclusion

I have seen this movie before with elite West African prospects: the club that wins is the one that proves daily care and a real pathway, not just a badge. Mohamed Zongo ticks boxes that top scouts value at 15 - balance, scanning, a fearless first touch under pressure. Tenakourou Academy deserve credit for his schooling and the openness of their process. All four bidders understand the regulations and are engineering plans that respect education and family stability.

United have moved early and sound confident. City’s plan is thorough and flexible. Villarreal and Anderlecht can speed up competitive minutes. My read, after conversations across all camps this week, is that this deal gets done. The outline will be smart: staged, protective, and built for growth. If the development curve keeps climbing, we will look back on this as the moment a top European career quietly began in Ouagadougou, mapped carefully across continents and time.