Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool are set to battle for the signature of Udinese prodigy Simone Pafundi in the transfer window.
The 16-year-old Udinese midfielder has sent shockwaves to some of the big clubs across Europe most notably the Premier League clubs monitoring his situation. Pafundi made his first-team debut for the Italian club in the last game of the season making him the first player born in 2006 to ever take part in a Serie A match.
Prior to his debut with Udinese, the wonderkid impressed scouts of the club after projecting his wide range of skills with his hometown club Monfalcone. Pafundi has risen up the ranks going strength to strength before getting a chance in the first-team setup.
How would Pafundi fit at Manchester?
It is clear that the new gaffer at Manchester, Erik ten Hag wants a ‘revolution’ with his new squad to compete for titles next season. He has left no stones unturned to make changes and would be more than willing to try out a few youngsters in the team.
The Udinese sensation could take ten Hag to his advantage to cement his place in the squad. Ten Hag is known to have groomed youngsters from his Ajax days, not to forget Donny van de Beek, Matthijs De Ligt, and his target this summer Frenkie de Jong have all been trained by him.
Pafundi has been at a great level at a young age and considering a squad overhaul set to happen at Old Trafford, he could possibly get a chance if he joins the club. However, the Red Devils could bank on their academy sensations with the likes of James Garner and Hannibal Mejbri playing in the same position. Liverpool could look for an attacking midfielder to reinforce their squad and the Udinese attacker could possibly get minutes with the first team.
A potential move to either of the clubs may seem off the table as per the regulations of Brexit. Until the players turn 18, English clubs cannot sign youngsters from European leagues. This could be of disadvantage for the English clubs and other European clubs may be on alert for the player and try to hijack the deal.
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