Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as the frontrunners to sign 16-year-old Malian attacking talent Aboubacar Maiga, despite sustained interest from Premier League clubs Liverpool and Manchester United, as well as Spanish giants Barcelona, according to TEAMtalk.
Maiga, nicknamed the ‘Malian Messi’, currently plays for Academie Africa Foot, a highly-regarded talent development academy in Africa. He has attracted attention from European clubs for over a year due to his technical ability and potential. Liverpool and Manchester United have both been monitoring his progress for more than twelve months, with scouts regularly assessing his development.
Barcelona were previously considered favourites to secure Maiga’s signature, benefitting from an established partnership with Academie Africa Foot that saw Ibrahim Diarra join their youth system. However, PSG have recently intensified their pursuit, inviting Maiga to France for assessment. Sources indicate that PSG’s overall project has strongly impressed the player and his representatives.
Several other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, have also shown interest in the teenager, recognizing his potential to become a future star. The player is regarded by scouts as a potentially generational talent, demonstrating creativity and maturity beyond his years.
While no final decision has been made, PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, are now viewed as the clear favourites. Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona remain interested, but unless circumstances change significantly, the French champions appear poised to secure the signature of one of African football’s most exciting young prospects.
