Man Utd barge into race for 400-goal teenage sensation

Tom Weber

Updated: 11 Mar 2024 16:35 GMT
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have joined the race for teenage sensation Francesco Camarda, according to Italian media.

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The record-breaking AC Milan wonderkid, who made a name for himself by reportedly netting almost 500 hundred goals in fewer than 100 games at various youth levels, has been the talk of the Italian football media in recent weeks.

The youngest player in Serie A history after making his debut in November aged just 15, Camarda has now turned 16 and is eligible to sign his first professional contract. The problem is that he hasn't done so yet.

Widely expected to pen his first deal on the day of turning 16 - March 10 - Italian media recently began reporting that Milan and Camarda had changed their initial plan. As he is still a minor, he can only sign a three-year contract and because it is mid-season, this means that his deal would run until 2026.

If both parties instead wait until the summer to seal the deal, Camarda's contract would expire in 2027. This is now the plan and it is claimed that everything has been agreed in principle, but unless the ink is actually dry, Camarda remains an enticing prospect for his suitors.

Man Utd join race

Man City and Borussia Dortmund are long-time admirers of the 16-year-old and they continue to be credited with an interest. In 2023, at the height of the speculation surrounding his future, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Milan were confident of keeping hold of the striker despite the interest from these two big-name sides.

Now, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Man Utd have also entered the race for Camarda. It is asserted that the Red Devils are keeping an eye on the situation with a view to potentially trying to pounce on his contract limbo.

Man Utd are 'keeping themselves informed,' though of course there would be a significant risk attached to making a move now. Camarda would not be able to head to the UK and join up with his new side until he turns 18. A lot can change in two years, especially in football.